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o. 468 


o S20 Oeiits. 



J. VAN LENNEP 


Entered t the Post f)ftice, V , as second-class matter. 
oPiright, 1884, by J^ .i. W. Lovell Co. 


TKllyEEKlYTUBUCMIOlf OF THr&EST CDRUtHT & STXRWWPOTElffrrqRE 


Vol. 9. No. 468, Dec. 6, 1884. Annual Subscription, $30.00, 


THE COUNT 
OF TALA VERA 


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MODEBX FOBEIGJf LIBBABY 


THE 

Count of Talavera 



iFrom t^e ©utcj^ of 3; tan Hennjp 


BY 

A. ARNOLD 


NEW YORK: 

JOHN W. LOVELL COMPANY, 
14 AND 16 Vesey Street. 



THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


I. 

During the summer of 1718, after a two years’ absence 
in foreign parts, I, Ferdinand Huyck, once more set 
foot in my native country, Holland. 

Arrived at Amersfoort at an early hour, I left the 
coach, and determined to continue my journey on 
foot as far as Naarden, and then to travel by barge to 
Amsterdam. 

It was a beautiful morning ; in fact, for a pedestrian, 
the weather was rather too fine. There was little or 
no wind, and as the day drew on, the air, close and 
oppressive, gradually became heavy with that peculiar 
haze which not unfrequently is the forerunner of an 
atmospheric change. 

In the north-west of the horizon threatening clouds 
were gathering, and swarms of sea-gulls hovered about 
like messengers of ill-omen presaging the coming storm. 
The sun was as red as blood, and with its scorching rays 
turned the sand of the footpath into glowing embers. 
To give relief to my wearied eyes I gazed on the black 
clouds in the distance, and I gladly anticipated the rain 
which would refresh the parching soil and ease me on 
my road. In this mood I continued to walk on steadily, 
5 A 


2 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


and soon forgot the difficulties of the journey, when 
I bethought myself that each step brought me nearer 
to my beloved parents and to my native city. After 
a long walk, my appetite grew keen, and it was with 
infinite pleasure that I came in view of the steeple 
of Zoest, where I determined to halt and breakfast. 
At this point a bend in the road afforded me a 
full view of the exterior of the village church, which 
looked charming. In bold outline to the sombre sky 
in the rear, and the luxuriant verdure surrounding the 
edifice, arose the grey steeple, striped by the rays of the 
morning sun, whilst the hilly ground still separating me 
from the village and the extensive fields rich with golden 
corn and snowy buckwheat heightened the charms of the 
landscape. I never was an enthusiast, but the beautiful 
aspects of nature always impressed me deeply; and 
at that moment I involuntarily fell into a peaceful, 
meditative mood, and on entering the village wiped 
away a tear. 

This feeling, however, soon passed away when I came 
upon the chief inn of the place, distinguished from the 
other houses by an elaborately carved signboard sus- 
pended from the front. 

A number of country carts and waggons filled the yard, 
where an old jade of a horse regaled himself with fresh- 
cut grass. The animal was harnessed to an old-fashioned 
tilt cart, and leaning against this conveyance stood a 
man of tall stature, attired in a long red cloak, so glar- 
ing that it looked in the sunlight like fire. I could not 
discern his features, as his back was turned ; but my 
appetite rebelled against any further delay ; I left the 
stranger to himself, and, lilting the latch, I opened the 
door and entered the inn. 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


3 


I ordered some refreshment, and sat down at the lower 
end of a long table. I had scarcely had time to observe 
that the upper end was occupied by a sturdy, well-dressed 
countryman, and that my other neighbour presente.d a 
rather shabby appearance, when I was aroused by a 
shrill cry of Pipes ! pipe-cleaners ! pick them out where 
you like ! I ain’t gained a farthing yet to-day, may I 
never move ! ” 

On turning round, a pedlar stood behind me. 

“ No, thank you, my man,” said I, after looking at 
him for a moment. I do not want anything;” and in 
order to make him understand that I wished to be left 
alone, I abruptly turned my back upon him. 

Now, get along with you,” he once more sang out, at 
the same time thrusting his hand containing a dozen or 
so of pipe-cleaners directly under my nose. ‘‘ Just let 
me sell you a dozen ; I ain’t got a farthing about me, may 
I never move ; and I’ve got a long way to go to-day.” 

Knowing from experience how useless it was to take 
offence at such an unmannerly intrusion, I again contrived 
to thrust the pipe-cleaners from me. 

But there was no getting away from him. With the 
doggedness common to folks of his calling, he continually 
worried me with his shouting, and occasionally, by way 
of a more forcible argument, he contrived to press his 
whole tray against me, so that I ^was compelled to 
look him straight in the face. I now felt certain 
that I had seen that olive complexion, the sharp features, 
and sparkling black eyes before ; but where and when, 1 
could not recollect. Having at length rid myself of his 
company by buying a corkscrew of him, I resolved 
once more to turn my eyes to the bar in anticipation 
of coming breakfast. - 


4 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


‘‘Good-luck to you,” said the pedlar; “ but look out,’* 
he added, in a whisper; “don’t forget to ask for a knife 
with your breakfast, and don’t you use the one that 
stands down there.” 

I listened with some surprise; but casting my eyes 
towards the spot which he indicated, I noticed a knife 
which my opposite neighbour ha<i stuck point down- 
wards in the table. At the same moment I recollected 
having frequently heard that some of the peasants in 
that part of the country were in the habit of hanging 
their knives in some prominent part of the wall in an 
inn, or stick it in the table, and that the unwary stranger 
who used it, or even looked at it, was challenged to a 
fight. With an almost imperceptible nod, I thanked 
the pedlar for his good advice, which seemed to me an 
ample return for the price I paid for the corkscrew. 
Having obtained a knife from the serving girl, I com- 
menced my breakfast, and as I did so I particularly 
noticed an expression of disappointment on my neigh- 
bour’s features, which were most unprepossessing. 
His hair, which was lank and 'thin, and of no par- 
ticular colour, fell almost upon his shoulders; his 
eyes had something of the sneaking glance of a 
hyena, and were nearly bare of eyebrows or lashes ; 
his mouth was wide and drawn on one side of his face. 
Whether our frierwj possessed a nose or not was, as 
yet, an unsolved problem ; for an indescribable number 
of furrows, seams, cross-lines, and scars combined to 
unite the shapeless little stump above his mouth 
with cheek and upper-lip. His dress was in perfect 
harmony with the entire appearance of such an 
amiable being, and was partly that of a countryman, 
partly that of a sailor, and full of patches and tatters. 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


5 


The peculiar expression which I had observed in his 
features became more noticeable ; and after blowing a 
great cloud of tobacco smoke from his mouth, and 
gulping down a glass of brandy that stood before him, 
he asked me why I had not made use of the knife stick- 
ing in the table. 

‘‘I did not see it,” said I indifferently; “besides, I 
prefer to have a knife for myself.” 

“You didn’t see it!” he exclaimed with an oath. 
“What was that you set your eyes on just now? It’s 
my knife, hang you,” he continued, striking his clenched 
fist upon the table and raising his voice; “and any 
one who looks at it must have a go with me ; there’s 
no help for that. You looked at it, and when you’ve 
swallowed your bread we’ll just see who’s the best man 
of us two.” 

This bold challenge produced a sudden silence 
among the farmers present, who were discussing ques- 
tions of harvests and agriculture. In fact, I fancied that 
many of them already gloated over the idea of seeing a 
right good fight with knives. As for myself, as may be 
imagined, I was not quite at xpy ease. However, I felt 
that I had better remain as unconcerned as possible, and 
endeavour to avert the storm by an undaunted attitude. 
I emptied my glass, and then, as coolly as possible, I 
said that I saw no cause whatever for a fight, and 
had not given offence to any one. My words were 
well received by the farmers ; and the peasant at the 
other end of the table, approaching the sailor, in- 
quired — 

“What has the chap done to you, Andrew Mathissen, 
that you want to fight ? ” 

“ Well, Boss Roggefeld,” said Andrew, “ that fellow 


6 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


there sits looking at my knife, and gives me a deuced 
impudent answer into the bargain. Am I to be set upon 
by such a lad ? But he is only a numskull of a fellow, so 
I won’t handle him too roughly ; and just after he has 
got one little slash across his carving board. I’ll let him 
go to the deuce. But fight ne shall.” 

With this he rose from his seat and approached me. 

‘‘Take care !” said I, crossing my arms and looking 
him straight in the face. “Don’t touch me. You will 
repent it if you do.” 

“I’ll repent it, you confounded numskull !” he cried, 
rushing up to me. “ Til just teach you to strike your 
flag. Up you get now. Now you’re beginning to talk 
like that, we’ll see if I can’t cut a slice from your frontis- 
piece.” 

I must confess that I began to find my position far 
from pleasant, for I saw no great fun in the idea of 
returning to my parents without a nose. Wherever I 
glanced I encountered none but looks of indifference, 
and the farmers continued to smoke their pipes and 
sip their spirits as imperturbably as possible. 

Aid, however, came from another quarter. 

At the first words of Andrew, the pedlar rushed to 
the landlord and whispered something in his ear. 

The latter seemed somewhat confused at the mys- 
terious information, and, in an undertone, asked — 

“ What is that you say, the son of . . . ? ” 

The pedlar’s reply was given in such a low whisper 
that I could only distinguish the words — 

“ High bailiff of Amsterdam.” 

“That’s rather awkward,” said the landlord. “Those 
Amsterdam magistrates have far-reaching arms, and 
they would make it pretty hot for me if I left 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


7 


one of their crew in a pickle. I say, friend Andrew,” 
he all at once began, laying his hand on his noisy 
guest^s shoulder. 

“ Well, what do you want?” asked Andrew sullenly. 

“What do I want.^^” repeated the innkeeper, placing 
his corpulent figure betwixt us. “ I want you to leave 
that lad alone. He has not done you any injury. Sit 
down and drink your liquor. Don’t you see that he 
isn’t your match ? ” 

“So!” said Andrew, with a savage leer, “you’ll get 
plenty of customers, when you’re going on like that, try- 
ing to prevent a thoroughbred countryman like me, 
who knows all the islands of the West Indies as well as 
you know your way to your cellar, from having a quiet 
little fight. But do as ye like — that’s what I say ; and 
1 promise you that you’ve seen my face for the last time 
if things are to go on like that.” 

“ Come, come,” said the host, giving Andrew a friendly 
tap on the shoulder, “you mustn’t talk like that. You 
know very well that I like to see an honest set-to as well 
as anybody ; but then it m«st be a square business on 
both sides, so that neither magistrate nor bailiff can 
have anything to say about it.” 

“Landlord,” said I, “just give us a drop of brandy, 
and let us put aia end to the matter.” 

Andrew accepted a glass ; and having emptied it, by 
way of a final warning, remarked — 

“And I wish you may never cross my path again, just 
for your own sake.” 

I was somewhat struck with this strange wish ; the 
tone in which it was uttered, as well as the sidelong 
glance which accompanied it, impressed me with h 
vague fear. 


8 


THE COUNT OF TALA VEKA, 


A kind of false shame moved me to stay a few 
moments longer in the inn, so that a too-hurried de- 
parture might not be attributed to cowardice. 

“ Is it true ? " I heard Roggefeld ask one of his mates ; 
“is it true that Effie Jansen was robbed last night on the 
Laren heath?'" 

“ Yes, and stripped as well," was the reply ; “ I 
hardly believe that the rascals left a rag on her body. 
There were three of 'em, I’ve heard." 

Here Andrew interposed with a ditty, sung at the top 
of his voice. 

“It’s Black Peter's* band," said anotlier farmer. 

“ Indeed," muttered Andrew between his teeth, at 
once resuming his song. 

“ Now, you, who've been everywhere, and have roved 
about on so many seas," remarked the landlord to An- 
drew, “ I suppose you’ve seen Black Peter too, eh ? " 

“ Bother Black Peter ! " cried Andrew, pulling a wry 
face ; “ it's all bosh what folks is a-talking. To ease a 
jolly fat trading ship of her over-ballast, that’s the kind 
o’ work for Black Peter ; do you think a true tar like him 
would trouble himself to rob an old wench on the high- 
road ? " 

Then he once more resumed his song. 

I fancied that his idea was to give another turn to the 
conversation, and it was as if somo secret voice whispered 
to me that Andrew knew more about these escapades 
than he cared to confess. 

I now thought I had stayed long enough, and was just 
going out, when my attention was directed to the man 

* Black Peter was a well-known bandit who, during the latter 
part of the last century, scoured the woods in the north-east of 
Holland and the German frontiers with his band. 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


9 


in the red cloak, whom I had noticed on my arrival at 
the tavern, who came into the room, and in an authorita- 
tive tone ordered some breakfast. 

The stranger took up a position in front of the bar, 
and stood erect with folded arms, evidently unaware 
that he was the observed of all observers. 

His appearance, indeed, was well calculated to attract 
attention \ he was unusually tall of stature, but very 
well shaped, and the red cloak, which almost fell below 
his knees, was worn with a natural grace, and gave some- 
thing noble and picturesque to whatever attitude he 
assumed. The lower part of his features was concealed 
by a black scarf, and the broad brim of his hat fell over 
his forehead and temples, so that little more could be 
distinguished than a somewhat aquiline nose and a 
heavy iron-grey moustache. 

On his arrival the pedlar took refuge in an obscure 
corner, as though that gigantic form struck him with 
terror, but after many furtive glances towards the 
red cloak he at length summed up courage, and, 
approaching the stranger, commenced to offer him 
his wares for sale. 

“ Pipe-cleaners ! knives ! scissors ! spectacles ! Buy 
somethink, master; ain’t got a farthing about me, as true 
as heaven.” The stranger turned aside. 

“Now, let me earn something by you,” continued 
the pedlar, laying hold of his cloak ; “ almanacs, snuff- 
boxes I tracts on the politics of the day — nice to read 
along the road. Or will you rather have some comedies, 
or the Dying Speech of Barneveld ? ” 

“Go away!” muttered the stranger, indignantly 
snatching his cloak out of the pedlar’s hands. 

At the same time he took a piece of bread and a plate 


lO 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


from the counter, and made a movement towards the street 
door. But he turned round with some abruptness, looked 
about as if in search of something, took up Andrew^s 
knife, and having cut up his bread went out, followed by 
the pedlar, who was still loud in praise of his wares. 

All at once Andrew ruslied along through the 
street door into the street, and flourished his knife 
in the air, whilst the innkeeper and the farmers 
followed at his heels. 

‘‘ Confound it ! ” he cried, looking at the stranger, 
•‘^you shan’t get off so easy as that numskull. Who 
told you to touch my knife ? ” 

Don’t you hear you’re challenged,” continued Andrew, 
as the stranger, taking no heed of his words, stood im- 
movable. “What did you want with my knife?” 

The stranger made no answer, but having emptied 
his plate, handed it to the landlord, and asked what 
there was to pay. 

“Hang it, man, will you answer?” growled Andrew, 
grasping the stranger by the cloak. 

“Now, look here,” said the latter, “I interfere with 
nobody, but nobody must touch me, or it will be the 
worse for him.” 

“ I say, old fellow,” said Andrew, “ don’t you have 
so much to say ; you’re a tall one, but I’ve given bigger 
ones than you a taster. If you like. I’ll just cut you a 
little bit of a red ribbon over that face o’ yours.” 

The stranger did not condescend to reply, but he went 
to the driver, who was just coming along with a new- 
shod horse, and ordered him to make haste. 

This was looked upon by all as a sign of fear, and the 
landlord, not sorry at having a chance of seeing Andrew 
dis])lay his prowess, jocularly remarked to Roggefeld — 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


TI 


“ Now, then, well have a lark, and our friend Andrew 
will stand treat, for he always does that jolly fair, I must 
say, when he has made his mark/’ 

“ I don’t believe it,” said Roggefeld ; “ that fellow 
ain’t one of the right sort.” 

“ What the deuce ! ” exclaimed Andrew, ‘‘ I ain’t 
worth your answer ? And you would march away without 
showing fight, would you? No, old man, as tall as you 
are, you shall ask my pardon on your knees ()r — up with 
your knife.” 

“Well, what are you waiting for?” asked the stranger 
of his driver, who stood staring about him. “ Put the 
harness on, and don’t bother yourself with the talk of 
this drunken brute.” 

“ Drunken brute ! I drunk ? ” roared Andrew in a great 
rage. “ Wait a bit — I’ll teach ye ! ” 

At the same moment he fell upon the traveller, who 
was just helping the driver to harness the horse. The 
stranger proved to be more on his guard than he had 
supposed, for, suddenly turning round, he dealt the 
would-be combatant such a blow in the chest that he 
fell back and lay on the ground gasping for breath. 

“The deuce! that was a stunner,” said Roggefeld; 
“ that fellow ain’t a soft one either.” 

“It’s disgraceful,” growled Andrew, getting up with 
difficulty. “ And now I take all of you to witness if 
he ain’t to fight me.” 

“ Fight he must,” was the unanimous reply ; “ there’s 
no help for that.” 

“And I take you all to witness,” said the stranger 
sternly, “that it was not I who picked a quarrel; and 
that, if the law should follow up this affair, punishment 
will fall heavier on those who attack an unoffending 


12 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


traveller, or who permit it, than on him who defends 
himself when attacked.” 

‘‘ That^s nothing to * do with it,” cried the farmers. 
“ YouVe touched his knife, and youVe struck him; you 
must fight.” 

I saw that the traveller would get the worst of the 
affair, and I do not know what it was that all at once 
inspired me with the absurd story which I invented to 
help him out of his difficulty. 

Let them mind what they are about,” I whispered 
to Roggefeld, who stood next to me ; “ I am not mis- 
taken ; the tall man in the red cloak is Czar Peter of 
Russia.” 

‘‘You don’t say so, eh?” said Roggefeld, staring at 
the stranger in amazement. “ Well, well ! you don’t 
mean that now ? In that case ”... 

And he forthwith proceeded to tell the tale to his 
neighbour, which he had no sooner done but it was 
repeated from mouth to mouth. 

The invention was the readier believed as, a few years 
since, the Czar had travelled to Amsterdam incognito 
and without any suite. Besides, the stranger’s tall stature, 
his authoritative tone, and even the manner in which he 
had laid about him, did somewhat answer to the popular 
idea formed of the Russian monarch. 

I was curious to observe the effect produced by my 
information. All the hats and caps of the peasants were 
raised as if by magic, and they stood staring at the tra- 
veller in mute wonder. The landlord was especially 
effusive, and by dint of numerous courtesies tried to make 
him forget that he had taken the part of his antagonist. 

Andrew himself, who, judging from his expression, 
appeared to be rather sceptical on the point, dared not 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A, 13 

renew the attack, but remained irresolutely standing in 
the centre, alternately casting a sullen glance at the 
supposed Czar and at the bystanders. 

There was one person, however, who could make no- 
thing of the whole affair, and that was the stranger himself. 
He wondered at the sudden civility of all, and looked at 
every one in turns, until his eye met the smile which 
played about my mouth at the success of my stratagem. 

I understood his inquiring look; I approached him, 
hat in hand, made a movement, as if about to assist 
him to his carriage, and whispered in his ear — 

“ They take you here for the Czar — move away as soon 
as you can.” 

‘‘ Thank you,” said he as he mounted the cart. “ Go 
on, coachman ! ” 

The driver leaped on the box, smacked his whip, and 
with more speed than I had given it credit for the horse 
pulled its burden along the sandy ground. 

The whole assemblage remained staring at the retreat- 
ing carriage in mute wonder, until the host broke the 
silence, exclaiming — 

‘‘Well, what do you think of that now? Fancy, that 
red cloak should be the Czar ! ” 

At length I resolved to continue my long-delayed 
journey, and hurried away with quick steps on the 
Naarden road. 


( u ) 


IL 

Nothing remarkable occurred to me during the first 
stage of my walk. After an bourns progress I began 
to feel the urgent necessity of again finding an inn 
or some equally convenient resting-place; not that I 
cared either for refreshment or rest, but because 
the state of the sky and atmosphere filled me with 
grave apprehension. Soon the deathlike calm which 
had prevailed until then was disturbed by a furious 
whirlwind, which suddenly came sweeping along from tlte 
depths of the forest. At the same moment a lurid flash 
of lightning, immediately followed by a rattling peal of 
thunder, the presage of , the strife of the elements, pro- 
claimed that now, indeed, the storm had brok^ loose 
in terrible earnest At its commencement I set oif 
at a sharp running gait, hoping soon to reach a place 
of shelter ; but as I proceeded the whole road became 
one mass of soft, pulpy quagmire, and my boots once 
being saturated, I ran and splashed through thick and 
thin, setting aside all thoughts except that of getting 
farther on my way. 

At length, in turning round a corner I came upon an 
extensive country-seat. Present circumstances did not 
allow of my taking a thorough survey of* the place, but 
from what I could judge at a hasty glance I came to a 
most favourable conclusion as to the wealth and good 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


15 


taste of its owner. But what with my weather-beaten 
travelling costume, and soaked and dripping wet as I was, 
I felt ashamed to enter such fashionable quarters. 

To my great relief I saw close by another building of 
great elegance, apparently some supplementary summer- 
house, and thither I proceeded. I ascended some marble 
steps and found a door standing ajar; without hesitation 
I thoroughly wiped and scraped my boots free from their 
load of mud-and entered. Scarcely had I. done so when 
I discovered that I was not alone. 

On a garden-chair, half concealed behind a curtain, 
sat a young girl, whom, it appeared, I had disturbed 
in reading. The first thing that I observed was that 
she was attired in a white morning dress, which dis- 
played to great advantage her slender shape ; whilst 
her small head and face were most captivating. She 
also seemed anything but charmed at my unmannerly 
intrusion. 

However, I could not help remarking the infe- 
riority of young men under such circumstances to the 
youth of the weaker sex in instinctive good manners, 
owing to the fact, no doubt, that women are gifted with 
keener perceptive faculties, and therefore sooner recover 
their presence of mind than our noble selves. As for 
myself, I cut a most foolish figure. Blushing, and, as 
it were, transfixed to the spot, I stood behind a large 
table, placed between us, ejaculating some disconnected 
w'ords of apology about the bad weather and about my 
regret at having disturbed her. 

Then, continually moving backwards, I took up my 
hat, which I had thrown down on the floor, and an- 
nounced that I would no longer intrude, but depart 
immediately. 


1 6 THE COUNT OF T A LAV ERA, 

‘‘Sir!” said she, “you do not disturb me at all, and 
it is really such fearful weather that one may well set 
aside all ceremonies.” 

I made a low and somewhat awkward bow, and it 
seemed as if my ridiculous attitude brought back her 
good-humour, for her features lightened up, and with a 
cordial smile she continued — 

“ I have really no authority in this summer-house, 
but my uncle will not blame me if I usurp his rights for 
a moment and offer you a temporary shelter.” 

I was beginning again to sum up courage, and 
at these friendly words my bashfulness was completely 
gone. 

“ The weather is so bad,” said I, “ that I will avail 
myself of your kindness with pleasure.” I made an- 
other bow, less awkward than the first, laid hat, stick, 
and bundle aside, and remained at the same respectful 
distance. 

The young girl asked if 1 would not sit down, once 
more took up her book and continued reading, without 
taking any further notice of me. I complied, and thus 
sat for some time, during which the moments seemed so 
many hours. It is true, I might have agreeably occupied 
myself in the. contemplation of the delicately- shaped nose, 
the charming little dimpled cheek, and the fresh, ruddy 
lips, which adorned her captivating face, but I thought 
that politeness forbade me to sit constantly staring at her. 
I therefore contented myself with now and then casting a 
look out of the window, to see whether the rain did not 
leave off, a prospect still very unlikely to be realised, 
and with taking observation of the interior of the summer- 
house, which was built, decorated, and furnished with a 
noble and artistic simplicity. 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


17 


But this, too, was a monotonous pastime, and whenever 
I cast a sidelong glance at my pretty hostess, I noticed 
that she occasionally lifted her eyes from her book to 
look at the weather, which I could not help ascribing to 
a desire to get rid of me. My position now became so 
unendurable, that I rose and in a tone which belied my 
words remarked, “I believe that the storm is almost 
over, so I shall leave you, with many thanks.” 

“ I think you had better wait until the rain ceases,” 
said she, lifting her bright blue eyes at the dark clouds 
above. “ It is really not quite the weather for walking.” 

At this moment a most terrific clattering of rain against 
the window appeared to confirm her words. 

‘‘You are very kind, miss,” I replied; “but I was in 
hopes of entering Naarden before the closing of the 
town gates, and it is getting rather late.” 

She did not answer ; I saw that she wished to evade all 
conversation with one who was an utter stranger to her. 

“ I am afraid,” I continued, somewhat piqued, “ that 
the corn will suffer much from this weather ? ” 

The corn did not appear to be a subject which she 
took very much at heart, for she was still silent. 

“ I pity the poor fishermen in the Zuider Zee,” said I, 
thinking that if she possessed the least feeling she could 
not leave my remark unanswered ; but, no, she bit her 
lip and looked into her book. 

“This seems to be a beautiful seat; I have seldom 
seen finer trees than those beeches.” 

Again no answer. 

“ The deuce,” thought I, “ is this affectation, pride, or 
want of intellect ? ” And yet I could nof much blame her 
for not wishing to enter into familiar conversation with a 
man who had all the appearance of a tramp. However 

B 


1 8 THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 

wishing to discover whether a pretty face was the only gift 
Nature had bestowed upon her, I determined to alter my 
style of conversation, and with some abruptness I asked 
her if she could kindly tell me whether the villa belonged 
to a Mr. Blaek of Amsterdam. 

‘‘Yes, sir, Mr. Blaek is my uncle, she replied in a 
tone of icy coolness ; but I was determined to continue 
the attack with the same weapons. 

“ I am very pleased to hear it,” said I. “ I do not 
recollect ever having seen Mr. Blaek.” 

At this she surveyed me with evident surprise, as 
though she wished to signify that she could not interpret 
my words, but that, for the rest, it was a matter of utter 
indifference to her whether I knew her uncle or not. 

“ But I have sometimes met Mr. Blaek^s brother at 
my father’s house — Henry Blaek, if I remember 
rightly.” 

“ He was my father,” said the young girl, her features 
suddenly clouded by an expression of sadness. “ I was 
unfortunate enough to lose him twelve years ago.’' 

“It is true,” said I ; “ I am speaking of the time when 
I was still a boy. Mr. Blaek sometimes visited my 
father, who is at present high bailiff of Amsterdam.” 

“Is Mr. Huyck your father?” said Miss Blaek with 
sudden cordiality. “I know him very well; as well 
as your mother and your sister. It is only a fortnight 
since that I saw them all, and I hope soon to see them 
again, as we are going to Amsterdam to-morrow.” 

“ They are quite well, I hope ? ” 

“Perfectly well,” she replied, and, laying her book 
aside, she continued quite unreserved : “ they were very 
anxious to see you again; you are expected every moment, 
I assure you.” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


19 


The ice was now broken, and we spent an hour in 
a most agreeable chat, during which I had frequent 
opportunities of admiring the good sense and amiability 
of my fair hostess. 

All at once the sound of a bell ringing loud and 
shrill, disturbed us, 

‘‘ There^s the dinner-bell ; now I shall have to run out, 
rain or no rain.” 

“But, in the name of Heaven, are there any barbarians 
living in this villa,” I asked, “ as no one is polite enough 
to fetch you ? ” 

“ I dare not stop longer,” said the young girl with 
evident confusion, and, having put back her book, she 
took up her work, but in so doing her ball of thread 
escaped her and rolled under the table. I stooped to 
pick it up, when all at once the exclamation “Found ! 
found I ” struck upon my ears, and I saw three strange 
faces peering in at the window. 


( 20 ) 


III. 

The position in which. Miss Black and I found our- 
selves on the entry of these three personages, did really 
offer as nice a little incident as may be produced on any 
stage in the dramatic world. 

Imagine, for a moment, on the one side myself, in a 
very dirty attire, my appearance not very much improved 
by the rain, creeping on all fours under the table to 
pick up Miss Black’s ball of worsted, whilst the lady 
lifted up her little golden-haired head, and, recognising 
the visitors, stood, with downcast eyes and crimson 
cheeks, like one caught in some guilty act; and on 
the other hand the three new arrivals, astounded 
and perplexed on the threshold, staring at this scene, 
probably suspecting that there was something wrong, 
and that Miss Black had a lover whom she tried to 
hide under the taBle. And in order that any one who 
may feel inclined to immortalise this episode on canvas 
may not want for the necessary details, I will now add a 
description of the three individuals who came so un- 
expectedly to disturb our tHe-a-tete, 

The foremost of them was none else than the owner 
of the villa, Mr. James Black, a middle-aged man, of an 
unhealthy appearance, with a complexion closely ap- 
proaching in colour a glass of Amsterdam canal-water. 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


21 


The furrows which marked his brow, the sickly expres- 
sion of his sunken eyes, the protruding chin and bony 
cheeks, and the absence of most of his teeth, gave 
him the appearance of a worn-out octogenarian, although 
he was really not older than fifty-three. His attitude 
was calm and dignified, and his whole appearance seemed 
the essence of respectability. 

On his right stood his only son, Louis Blaek, a tall, 
well-built young man, with large brown eyes, well-shaped 
mouth, and regular features. His appearance would have 
been highly favourable, but for a habit which he had of 
twitching his nose and lower lip, that spoke of pride and 
scornfulness, and for a few red spots on his sallow cheeks, 
which plainly testified that he had been present at a 
goodly number of nocturnal revels. 

The third personage was Lucas Helding, who filled 
the honourable post of poet to the Blaek family. It 
was very apparent that he was merely tolerated by the 
two former gentlemen, and that he was very far from 
possessing that vaunted freedom which is supposed 
to be the inheritance of the followers of the Muses ; 
in fact, that his position was the reverse of a manly 
and an independent one. And this is easily ex- 
plained. At the beginning of the eighteenth century 
the generality of the Amsterdam aristocracy, far from 
paying to poetry that unconscious and instinctive homage 
to which she is entitled as a faithful champion of the true 
and the beautiful, patronised the poetical literature of the 
day because it was fashionable to do so. Poets of the 
very highest orders were therefore compelled to degrade 
their divine gifts, and to render them subservient to the 
foolish whims and highflown fancies of those who pos- 
sessed money in the place of wit, culture, and a feeling 


22 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


for the beautiful The poet who, at that time, ventured 
to soar into lofty spheres, was sure to feel the stings of 
contempt and poverty. 

Such was the fate of Lucas Helding, who was patronised 
by Mr. Blaek, not because that gentleman had the least 
poetic feeling, but simply because Helding’s talents 
had been recommended to him for immortalising the 
beauties of his villa of Guldenhof. 

Although the outward appearance of the poet be- 
tokened his unacquaintance with the luxuries of life, 
his open features, small sparkling eyes, and smiling lips 
were evidences of a good and happy temper which the 
deepest misery alone could conquer. 

The astoni.shment depicted on the features of the trio 
offered an amusing and striking contrast. With the old 
gentleman it was mingled with an expression of alarm 
and anger, as he stood open-mouthed, convulsively 
clutching the knob of his cane. His son tossed his 
head backwards and knitted his eyebrows; while on 
Holding’s lips arose a smile which he hastily hid with 
his hand, not knowing whether a jest would be thought 
appropriate on the present occasion. 

The silence did not last long however ; the three 
gentlemen came forward, preceded by their dogs, which 
at once ran barking and growling at the unlucky intruder, 
who, with the ball of thread in his hand, had now started 
to his feet from under the table. 

“We came to fetch you, Harriet,” said Mr. Blaek, with 
an air of dissatisfaction, and without taking the slightest 
notice of me “nobody knew where you had run to.” 

“I was ... I was reading here, uncle,” replied the 
charming girl, blushing and turning pale by turns. “ It 
was raining so fast. ...” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VET A. 


23 


“ We were afraid you might feel lonely,” said Louis 
Blaek, with a sneering laugh, at the same time throwing 
me a sidelong glance ; but we did not know that you 
had company.” 

Wishing to help my pretty hostess out of her confusion, 
I now stepped forward, and remarked that Mr. Blaek 
would no doubt pardon me for having taken shelter from 
the rain at his villa. 

“ It is written over the door,” muttered Helding to 
himself — 

“ ‘ Are you afraid of rain or of the bleak east wind? 

You will in this abode a pleasant refuge find.’ ” 

“I suppose,” added Louis Blaek, with a sneer, ‘‘you 
were afraid that the roof was leaky, and you thought you 
were only safe from the rain imder the table.” 

“I picked up the thread which the young lady had 
dropped,” said I, as coolly as possible. 

“And did my niece invite you to take shelter here, 
my lad?” asked Mr. Blaek rather peevishly. “This 
is a private, house, you know,” he continued; “not a 
roadside inn, where everybody can run in and out as he 
likes.” 

“The young lady was kind enough not to drive me 
away ; moreover, the terrific weather fs my excuse for 
any intrusion on my part. My name is . . 

“I do not ask you for your name,” interrupted the old 
gentleman; “but the weather has much improved now, 
so you might as well march, my lad.” 

This wish, or rather command, was not to be disobeyed. 
I approached Miss Blaek, and, thanking her for her kind 
reception, I asked her if she had any messages for 
Amsterdam. 


24 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


‘‘No, thank you, Mr. Huyck,” said she, dwelling with 
particular emphasis on my name. “ I shall very likely 
come up to Amsterdam myself in a few days, when I 
hope to see your mother and Susan.” 

At these words the three men stared with astonishment, 
and a somewhat prolonged pause ensued. 

“Is this gentleman an acquaintance of yours, Harriet?'^ 
asked Louis. “Why did you not say so at once, young 
lady? Father was already half afraid that he belonged 
to the band of Black Peter.’' 

“ Huyck ! Huyck ! ” repeated Mr. Blaek, looking at his 
niece and at myself in turns. “ Are you any relation to 
a magistrate of that name, sir ? ” 

“ I am his son,” I replied with a bow. 

“ I was not aware that you were acquainted with my 
niece, sir. You have been abroad, I believe. . . . 
otherwise you would know that it is not usual in Hol- 
land for young ladies when they are alone to receive 
visits from gentlemen ? ” 

“ I have been travelling,” said I, somewhat piqued, 
“ and I saw Miss Blaek for the first time to-day. I was 
not aware that there was any one in the summer-house 
where I took shelter from the rain, or I should not have 
been so intrusive.” 

It seemed as' if this explanation had helped to lift 
a load off Mr. Black’s heart ; and, wishing to make 
amends for his rudeness, he invited me to step inside 
and take some refreshment. I declined, as I was desir- 
ous of continuing my journey. 

“ Well, you can light a pipe, then, before you go,” said 
Mr. Blaek. “ I daresay Louis has some tobacco with him.” 

“ I have forgotten my tinder,” said Louis with in- 
difference. 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


25 

‘‘ I have left off smoking abroad,” said I ; and wishing 
the company good-day, I retired. 

The storm being now quito over I pursued my way 
without any further delay, and for a long while my 
thoughts unconsciously dwelt on the fascinating person 
and manners of the fair Harriet Blaek, whilst the most 
conflicting ideas were occupying my mind. At first I 
was in ecstasy with my new acquaintance, then I 
reproached myself with having cut a foolish figure 
before her, and then again those ideas gave way to 
a feeling of indifference, which, however, soon passed 
away. But these thoughts did not leave me until, 
wet to the skin and very hungry, I stopped at an 
inn at Eemnes, where I intended to dine. 


While my dinner was being prepared, I entered 
a little private room, and amused myself with looking 
out of the window. The view did really interest me 
but very little ; I kept my eyes fixed on the meadows 
and on the green hedges until I discovered that I had 
unconsciously marked an H. and a B. with my finger on 
the dirty pane. 

• I quickly wiped the letters, as if afraid that any one 
would read them and discover my secret, when all at 
once I saw a figure approaching from the fields, in whom 
I immediately recognised the identical Andrew who had 
made such a disturbance at Zoest. 

I already congratulated myself that I had not been 
overtaken on the road by this annoying fellow, when, 
to my disgust, I noticed that our sailor friend made 
straightway forr the door of the inn and entered. I 
thanked my good fortune that I had a room to myself. 

Soon after this the landlady came in with some cold 
meat, bread, and beer. I told her that this morning 
I had had a little quarrel with the man below, and as 
I did not wish to have anything further to do with 
him, I asked her to let me know when Andrew should 
be gone, as I did not wish for his company on the 
road. I then sat down and began a fierce onslaught on 
the bread and meat. 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


27 


About half an hour after I had finished my meal I 
heard some noise below, and, approaching the window, 
I soon observed Andrew leaye the inn, accompanied 
by another man who appeared to be better dressed 
than he. I stayed a few minutes longer in order to 
allow them time to get ahead of me ; and then having 
paid for my refreshment, I went out. 

I had proceeded a good distance, when, on ascending 
a hill on the other side of the pretty village of Laren, I 
saw a vehicle coming down from the heights, which on a 
closer inspection I recognised as the tilt-cart that had 
attracted my attention at Zoest in the morning, and 
which was now returning empty. 

Notwithstanding my anxiety to get farther, I could not 
help calling to the driver, who was half dozing on the 
box, to stop for a moment, and I asked him where he 
had left the gentleman with the red cloak, 

“ I don’t know where he has got to,’^ he answered ; 
“ I put him down this side of Naarden, on a spot where 
there wasn’t a house nor a pathway. Where he was going 
to, Heaven knows ; I think it looks a bit suspicious, he 
seemed to be afraid of being seen. But what has that 
to do .with me? He give me a good fare, and so I have 
got nothing to say.^’ 

With these words he recommenced his drive, but in 
going he called out to me— 7 

“ You’d better be on your guard, governor ; because 
I don’t think it's all right outside Naarden. I heard a 
good deal o’ whistling going on in the forest, and I was 
glad I got to the highroad again.” 

The cart rode away, and I walked on, not over- 
pleased at the information which I had received. I 
tried to reassure myself with the idea that no one would 


28 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


dare to attack a man in broad daylight and so near a 
town; and, besides, neither my luggage nor my dress 
were of such a character as to offer much temptation 
to a robber; but the idea that I -might be attacked 
was far from pleasant. 

Being determined to reach Naarden in time, I once 
more hurried onward, and in so doing I came to a spot 
where I observed fresh marks of wheels in the soft and 
sandy ground, and probably the identical tilt-cart had 
turned round there. This would not so much have 
attracted my attention but, just at this spot, I saw 
something lying on the gravel, which, on closer in- 
spection, I discovered to be a green purse. I picked 
it up, and stood still for some moments undecided 
what to do. Probably the purse, which seemed to be 
well filled, belonged to the person who had been riding 
in the cart ; but how was it to be returned to the 
owner ? The driver was a stranger to me, and he him- 
self knew nothing whatever of his passenger. 

Whilst reflecting as to what was the best course to 
pursue, I opened the purse in order to see whether I 
could find any clue as to its owner. It contained a round 
sum in gold and a gold signet-ring with a handsome 
stone, on which a coat of arms was very artistically 
engraved. Putting the money back into the purse, I 
concentrated all my attention on the crest, thinking that 
it might assist me in solving the mystery ; but scarcely 
had I observed that it consisted of a St. Andrew’s cross, 
encircled with numerous ornaments, when all at once I 
heard a whistle and a rustling of foliage as if some one 
was making his way through the thickets. I turned round 
in alarm and saw a man approaching, who called out 
to me to let him have a share in my prize. 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


29 


My terror increased as I recognised Andrew Mathissen. 
I felt at once that it was only by showing him a deter- 
mined front that I could possibly keep him off, and, 
gripping my stick firmly, I looked him straight in the 
face and asked him what he wanted. 

“ What I want ! ” he repeated with a sneering laugh ; 
“ well, only as much as I have a right to. I saw this 
purse as soon as you, and I was just going to pocket 
it when you picked it up ; you must not think that it is 
only you who has a right to go on the spree with these 
yellow boys ; I want them just as much as you do.” 

“ All this may be true or not,” said I ; “ but what I 
have found belongs neither to you nor to me, and I 
intend to return it to the rightful owner.” 

“ So, so ! ” said Andrew ; ‘‘ well, now, that is a nice 
thing. But do you think I don’t know your tricks? 
You want to make sail with the whole cargo, but that 
won’t do; you shall tip up, mate, or we’ll run you in.” 

With this he whistled a second time. 

I now felt convinced that Andrew was not only a 
ruffian but a highwayman to boot, and that I must get 
nd of him before he could get assistance ; I lifted up 
my stick and gave him a sound blow on his outstretched 
hands, on which I took to my heels as fast as my legs 
could carry me. But my flight was of no use, for 
scarcely had I gone a few steps when two other fellows 
sprang forward, and while one cut off my retreat, the 
other grasped me by the collar. 

“ Look out, Haentje ! that he don’t cut it,” hal- 
loed Andrew, rushing forward ; “ he must bleed for it 
now.” 

“Don’t move or this will go through you,” said 
Haentje, in whom I recognised the man with whom 


30 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


Andrew had left Eemnes ; and at the same time he 
pressed a knife to my throat. 

Come, governor,’^ said the third robber, very coolly 
producing a pistol, which he presented at me, “ be 
advised ; all resistance is in vain ; hand us all you have 
about you in gold and silver, and you’ll be able to 
walk all the easier for it.” 

While he spoke I looked at the man for a moment. 
He had a very favourable appearance, in striking con- 
trast to Andrew and to the roguisli face of Haentje. 
His complexion was somewhat sunburnt, but his features 
were regular and pleasing ; his black eyes sparkled with 
animation, and raven locks clustered gracefully round 
his forehead. From his dress, which consisted of a fine 
black frock-coat and trousers, no one would have sus- 
pected him to be a highwayman. 

I saw that all resistance was useless. 

‘‘ If it must be,” said I, ‘‘take all I have ; to violence 
I must yield.” 

“ There ! that’s what I call sensible,” said the man 
with the black coat in a friendly, half-patronising tone ; 
“ and as you don’t seem to be rich yourself, we shall be 
reasonable, and leave you something to go and have 
a drop at Naarden to drown the fright.” 

“Not rich,” repeated Andrew: “ only just now he 
came cruising along our own coasts and picked up a 
purse full of gold. I warned him this morning not to 
come in my way again ; and now would you let him 
go, Peter?” 

These words filled me with fresh alarm, and I trembled 
when I saw the robber frown, and then heard him say, 
in a curt, authoritative tone — 

“ Do you know him? Take him into the forest.” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 31 

This command was scarcely given when the scoun- 
drels lifted me up and dragged me along through the 
copse. 

I felt my blood grow cold in my veins, for what other 
object could they have in taking me into the wood but 
to strip and murder me ? At all events, I firmly resolved 
to sell my life most dearly, and to make use of any 
means of escape which stratagem or violence might 
offer. 

For the moment, however, resistance was useless, for 
I still felt the cold steel on my throat and the muzzle of 
a pistol on my breast ; but as we gradually penetrated 
deeper into the forest, the robbers were obliged to loosen 
their hold for a moment, for Haentje had to cut away a 
bough which was in his way, and the other man to 
detach his cap, which had become entangled in some 
bushes. I seized the opportunity, leapt to my feet, tore 
myself away from Andrew, who still had hold of me, 
turned round, sprang over the bushes which were in 
my way, and made off as fast as I could to gain the 
highroad. But it seemed that I had taken a wrong 
path, and I soon found myself on a small open patch of 
grass, almost simultaneously with the three fellows, who 
rushed after me, littering the wildest imprecations. 

My strength was exhausted ; I saw that I would soon 
be overtaken, and I turned back in despair. 

“ Don’t venture to approach me,” I cried, brandishing 
my stick. 

My determined attitude appeared somewhat to inti- 
midate the rascals. He who seemed to be the chief of 
the band pulled the trigger of his pistol. 

“"Enough of that nonsense,” said he, taking aim at 
me ; “ stop, or I shall fire.” 


32 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


You had better be careful/’ I replied ; “ the sleuth- 
hounds of the law are on your track.’' 

‘‘Never mind, we'll put an end to you,” continued the 
man in the black coat, putting back his pistol as he 
spoke, and producing a small rapier from under his 
clothes. He then took off his coat, and marched straight 
up to me with the naked steel in his hand. I defended 
myself with my stick for a while, all the time crying — 

“ Murder ! murder ! thieves ! ” 

But the fellow who bore the name of Haentje at 
length succeeded in getting hold of my arm as I was 
about to parry a blow, and at the same time I felt 
Andrew snatch me by the legs and lift me off my 
feet. I fell forward, and thought that all was over 
with me, when all at once I heard a heavy blow resound 
upon the head of one of my foes, and saw Andrew 
fall down on the grass. I sprang to my feet, and 
beheld the stranger in the red cloak, standing with 
uplifted hand at my side. He wore no arms, yet his 
gigantic form, the abruptness of his appearance, and 
the determined manner with which he had made 
Andrew feel the strength of his arm, seemed to have 
struck the robbers with terror, and for some time they 
stood as if rooted to the ground. But they soon again 
summoned up courage, and while Haentje picked up his 
knife which he had dropped in the struggle, the chief 
approached my defender with uplifted sword. 

“Well, Black Peter, have you forgotten me?” asked 
the latter, as he stood unmoved, looking him straight 
in the face. 

“ Is it possible ! ” exclaimed Black Peter with astonish- 
ment, as he lowered his rapier and hastily took off his 
hat ; “ can it be you, captain, or is it your ghost ? ” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


33 


this your occupation at present?’’ exclaimed the 
man in the red cloak reproachfully. ‘‘Could I expect 
this from one who has served under me?/’ 

‘'Well, captain,” said Black Peter humbly, and turning 
his hat round in his hands. “What can I say? These 
are bad times, and . . 

“ Not another word,” interrupted the stranger. “ Mind 
that the whole three of you leave the neighbourhood of 
Naarden before dusk, or you’ll not escape the gallows, I 
promise you.” 

The robber silently donned his hat once more, sheathed 
his rapier, put on his coat, and ordered Andrew to follow 
him. 

“Hang it!” Matthisen cried, casting on the stranger 
and myself a look of fury, “ are we to strike our flag with- 
out giving these vagabonds their dues?” 

“I cannot understand it,” said Haentje, staring at his 
chief in astonishment. 

“You cannot understand it? . . . You need not un- 
derstand it, you stupid donkeys,” answered Black Peter 
with an air of supreme contempt. “You see that gentle- 
man. Well, if he ordered me to hang both of you, I would 
do it. Come ! come 1 no nonsense ; you know where to find 
me again. And now be off, or Pll teach you a lesson I ” 

Although the two rogues had a much more formidable 
appearance than their chief, they seemed to have as 
much respect for his moral influence, as he, on his part, 
appeared to possess for the stranger ; and, grumbling 
and scowling, they retired into the forest and were soon 
lost -from view. 

“ Is there anything I can do for you, captain ? ” 
inquired the robber, as soon as they v/ere gone, 
courteously approaching the stranger. 

5 


C 


34 


THE COUNT OF T A LAV ERA. 


The latter simply shook his head. 

“ If you should require my services,” Peter continued, 
‘‘ you can always obtain my address at Mike KatePs, in 
the Duivelshoek, at Amsterdam.” 

Here he suddenly stopped short, and gave me a 
menacing look — 

I have nicely betrayed myself,” he exclaimed ; “ but 
I caution you to be on your guard, sir.” 

“ 1^11 manage that,” said my deliverer. “ Be off now, 
and you’ll have nothing to fear.” 

The robber made a bow, and, with a smile of satisfac- 
tion on his features, he quickly retired. 


( 35 ) 


V. 

I WAS astounded, and could no' - / / o.it (cc cb j rela- 
tions existing between my benef. .tor and the chief of 
the robbers. Perhaps the awe-vnspiring stranger had 
once been the head of a more formidable band ? May 
be this was the clue to the appr dation of captain which 
Black Peter gave him. He ever, I felt a sort of 
respect for the man who, una <ned, and by the mere 
force of his will, had saved i e from the hands of 
three rufhans ; and after an inte val of silence I began 
to tender him my warmest thanks. 

He curtly interrupted me — 

“ Pardon me,’^ he said, “ I have no time at present to 
listen to all the nice things which you are going to say. 
I have lost something on the road, and I must go and 
look for it; for it is something that is in everybody’s 
line . . 

“ Was it a green purse ! ” I exclaimed. 

“ Have you found it ? ’’ 

‘‘ It contained gold, captain,” I continued, and 
besides . . 

A signet-ring,” said he, finishing the sentence. 

I handed him the purse, glad to have an opportunity 
of rendering him a service in my turn. 

‘^You have indeed done me an important service. 
To judge from your appearance and your language, you 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


36 

seem to belong to the upper classes of society, and per- 
haps I would offend you if I offered you anything. But 
as your dress does not betoken much wealth, pray pardon 
me if I give you a little present for your trouble,” and, 
as he spoke, he held out to me two or three pieces of 
gold. 

I thanked him, and informed him that I was the son 
of Mr. Huyck, the high bailiff of Amsterdam. 

Indeed,” said he, whilst a cloud darkened his brow, 
‘‘the son of a high bailiff should be the very last 
person to venture alone on an unsafe road.” 

I asked him if he had any objection to accompany me 
to Naarden, as I should like to inform the authorities of 
my encounter. 

“ Now you speak like a true son of a high bailiff,” 
said the stranger with an affected laugh; “but as for 
me, I feel no inclination to go and cry myself hoarse, 
and to stand wasting half-an-hour at each street corner 
until it suits a policeman to come on his beat, with 
the pleasant prospect of spending half the night in a 
watchhouse, and be subjected to all sorts of stupid 
examinations. Dash it all, let Black Peter and his band 
get themselves hanged elsewhere ; I am not going to 
twist the rope for them. You can do as you please; 
but if you will take my advice, and wish to do me a 
favour, do not go to Naarden at present; but if you 
can content yourself with the humble hospitality which 
I have to offer, I shall be very glad if you will stay 
with me for the night.” 

I could not help wondering at this strange invitation, 
as I failed to reconcile this apparent frankness with the 
mystery in which his words had hitherto been wrapt. 
But I did not quite relish the idea of journeying alone 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A, 37 

in the dark, at the risk of a second encounter with the 
robbers ; and, besides, I felt some curiosity to know who 
my deliverer might be, so I accepted his offer, and 
trusted that I would cause him no inconvenience. 

I followed him along a narrow path, which in a 
short time brought us to a causeway so drenched 
with the recent rain that we crossed it with the 
greatest difficulty. When we had been splashing 
along for a little while, through mud and mire, my 
guide said — 

“ May I ask why you gave me the title of captain just 
now ? ” 

I heard one of those fellows call you so,” I replied. 

‘‘That’s probable enough,” he answered with a sneer; 
“ but if those fools give me such a name, a sensible 
young fellow like you ought not to follow their example. 
I have as little claim to that title as to that of Czar, 
with which you honoured me this morning. My name is 
simply Bos, at least for the present.” 

I followed my guide in silence, and thought that the 
muddy road would never come to an end ; but at length 
we arrived at a small rustic turnstile, through which we 
passed. We now came upon a sort of kitchen garden, 
which was in front of a farmhouse. 

This appeared to be our destination. A little dog, 
which lay chained in the garden, began barking, the front 
door opened, a female draped in black came forward, and 
in a whisper asked — 

“ Is it you, father?” 

“ Hush ! hush ! I am not alone . • . this way, 
sir . . . Where is old Martha ? ” 

“ She is getting supper ready,” answered the daughter. 

“ All right. Show the gejuleman upstairs he will stay 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


38 

to-night. I am going to make arrangements with Martha 
for his sleeping here.” 

He entered a sort of kitchen, where I could see an 
old woman busy baking cakes, and closed the door 
behind him, leaving me alone with his daughter. The 
girl looked with surprise after the retreating form of 
her father, and then gazed at me anxiously. 

I felt that common courtesy demanded some apology. 

‘‘ I am afraid that I may cause some inconvenience 
here, Miss Bos, but your father wished . . 

‘‘ What my father wishes must be done,” she replied 
in a firm voice, and with a slight curtsy ; “ be kind 
enough to follow me.” 

She conducted me upstairs into a small apartment 
and asked me to sit down. I did so, with my mind 
so full of the recollection of the strange adventures of 
the day that I hardly knew whether I was awake or 
dreaming. But in the meantime I thought it my duty 
to tell my fair guide that her father had saved 
my life, and was just about to relate my whole 
adventure when I reflected that he might perhaps 
not approve of it, and I simply said that he 
would doubtless tell her in what way he had earned 
my gratitude. 

Evidently observing that I did not want to enlighten 
her any further, she replied — 

My father will soon be here. AIIoav me to leave 
you alone for a moment, while I go and see whether I 
can give him any assistance.” 

With these words she retired, bolting the door behind 
her. 

The young girl remained absent for a long while, and 
1 must confess that I had my misgivings as to the reason 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


39 

why she had so carefully bolted the door of my little 
room. 

Wishing, however, to turn my ideas into another chan- 
nel, I began to look about me in the apartment which I 
now considered my prison. An old, small, worm-eaten 
walnut cabinet, upon which stood three china vases, 
one of which held a bouquet of faded jasmines, a small 
table covered with baize, and three common wooden 
chairs, comprised all the furniture with which the place 
was adorned. Dusk began to fall, and, feeling somewhat 
uneasy, I was about to try and open the door, when I 
heard a light step on the stairs. The door was unbolted 
and my host’s daughter stood before me. 

“ My father has told me everything,” she began, and 
as she spoke a tremor was in her voice, “ and we owe 
you some gratitude ; but sit down, sir, I think you have 
not yet recovered your composure.” 

“ Indeed,’^ I replied, ‘‘ I am not ashamed to con- 
fess that the attack upon my life has somewhat upset 
me.” 

That is quite natural — at least,” she added, with 
tearful eyes, when one is not used to such distressing 
scenes ; but one gets accustomed to everything,” 

Rather surprised, and ho})ing to obtain a clue to the 
mystery which was enveloping me, I asked her if any- 
thing similar had ever hapi^ened to her. x 

“ I have met with sad adventures of various kinds,” 
she replied, in a distressing tone, “ but,” she added, “my 
father smiled when lie told me of the comical stratagem, 
by which you saved him from annoyance this morning. 
He has not smiled for years.” 

“ He ap[)ears to have met with numerous vicissitudes,” 
said 1. 


40 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


Would to Heaven that they were all things of the 
past ! 

Siie said no more, and, turning aside, wiped away a 
tear. 

Though I hesitated to break the silence, observing 
the extreme distress of mind under which she laboured, I 
thought that it might be impolite on my part not to renew 
the conversation, so I asked her if the farmhouse where 
we were was her usual abode. 

Alas ! sir,’^ she answered, in a tone that went to my* 
heart, we have no abode which we may call our ownT 
In that case I am the more sensible of the incon- 
venience which I am causing you by my presence.'’ 

‘‘ Pardon me, my father has already told you, I believe, 
that the inconvenience is trifling. I am convinced that 
he would not have brought you here if he had not 
thought it desirable for our own safety that he should 
do so.” 

This was the very thing of which I also felt con- 
vinced ; still I thought it somewhat strange to hear such 
a frank confession from her mouth. 

‘‘ I very much regret,” said I, “ that your words confirm 
me in a suspicion which I had hitherto thought unworthy 
of your father, and that he could suspect me of betraying 
him.” 

^ “ Of betraying him !” she repeated, her eyes burning 
with indignation, do you think that if he had thought 
you capable of it, he would have brought you here of 
^ his own freewill, and thus made you acquainted with his 
place of refuge ? What do you know about him that you 
could betray him? . . . but, pardon me, sir, I am a simple 
girl, and should not speak of matters about which I had 
better be silent. You will not take advantage of an ex- 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


41 


pression which unconsciously escaped me. One word 
from you would be the ruin, not only of ourselves, but 
also of the poor woman who lives in this farmhouse. 
Promise me that you will respect the laws of hospitality, 
and that I may trust you.” 

I was touched and astounded at this strange appeal. 

“ You are right, miss,” said I ; “ even if I wanted to 
betray you or your father, I could not do so, as I do not 
know anything about you ; and would not disclose what 
I may have observed, if it were against the wishes of him 
who has saved my life.” 

At this juncture Mr. Bos entered the room. He had 
doffed his red cloak, and was now dressed in the simple 
garb of a country gentleman. 

“ I trust you will excuse me if I have kept you wait- 
ing; I had something to do downstairs. My daughter, 
I hope, has not let you want for anything.” 

I do not know what I could rec^uire for the moment,” 
said I, ‘‘except, perhaps, some means of cleaning the 
mud and dirt of the road from my clothes and person.” 

“ Fetch some water, Amelia,” said Mr. Bos ; “ and a 
clothes-brush, if there is such a thing here . . . Oh, 
how can I be so stupid? I have one in my pocket.” 

The young girl left the room, and I began to brush 
away the mud with the pocket-brush which Mr. Bos had 
handed to me. Whilst doing this, something shining on 
the back of the brush caught my eye. I saw that it was 
a little brass plate, on which was engraved the same coat 
of arms which I had seen on the ring. My glance did 
not escape my host's attention, and seemed to cause him 
some annoyance ; for, as soon as his daughter returned 
with a basin and water, he took up the brush, looked at 
it, and gave it her, telling her to burn it at once. 


42 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


‘‘ That brush, papa, which you have used for so 
many years she exclaimed in astonishment. 

‘‘Yes. I find it hard to part with an old servant, 
though it be but a brush ; but we must keep nothing 
that could betray us. Go, my child, and do as I tell 
you ; you can stay and help Martha a little. I have 
something to say to this gentleman. 

Amelia sighed and left the room, keeping her eyes 
fixed on the brush which she held in her hand. 

“She does not like the idea of burning it,” said 
her father, “ and I can well understand it, for it grieves 
me too. You may call it childish ; but we feel a cer- 
tain attachment for objects which we have long used. 
There is something unpleasant in losing them, and it is 
particularly so when circumstances force us to destroy 
them ; . . . but enough of this. As soon as you have 
sufficiently recovered and are comfortable, I should like 
a moment’s interview.’^ 

I desired nothing better \ for now I hoped to see the 
mystery cleared up, in which the actions and words of 
father and daughter had hitherto been wrapt, so I soon 
seated myself opposite Mr. Bos to hear what he had 

to say. 


( 43 ) 


VI. 

‘‘ I AM convinced, Mr. Huyck,^^ said my mysterious friend, 
after a short silence, “that you have formed some strange 
conjectures concerning me and my identity during the 
last two hours. But I regret that my own safety forbids 
me to satisfy your curiosity to its fullest extent.’^ 

I felt rather disconcerted at this introduction, for now 
I remained just as wise as before. “What the deuce 
can the fellow want of me ? thought 1. “ If he has 

jiothing else to tell me, why these elaborate prepara- 
tions?*’ 

“ Sir,” said I, “ I respect your secret, and do not wish 
to know anything about it, if you think it advisable not 
to enlighten me.” 

“Well, let us get to business,” he resumed; “for I 
have asked for this interview, not because I merely 
wanted to inform you that I will tell you nothing, but 
to beg of you to render me two services.” 

“ I am prepared to render you any service which may 
not be beyond my power or interfere with my duty.” 

“That is a most prudent and praiseworthy restric 
tion,” said Mr. Bos. “ What a pity it is that one can 
widen the sphere of duty to such a great extent, if 
needs be; but we shall see what you think of my requests. 
In the first place, then, I should esteem it a favour if you 
would mention to no one your encounter at Zoest this 



44 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


morning, or the affair with Black Peter and his mates, 
or your night^s stay here.’^ 

I replied that I would do as he asked, provided he 
allowed me only to tell my father of my adventures. 
At this he was greatly disconcerted, saying that it 
was just the very thing above all that he wished to 
avoid, and that if my father were made acquainted 
with the affair it would inevitably cause his utter 
ruin and that of his beloved daughter. It was painful 
to me to disguise anything from my father; but Mr. 
Bos spoke with such fervour, and dwelt with so much 
emphasis on this subject as a matter of life or death 
to them both, that I consented to be silent, stating, 
however, that in the event of his falling into the clutches 
of the law, I would mention the details of the occurrence 
to my father, who might thereby be induced to form a 
more favourable opinion of him. 

‘‘This condition is so reasonable,’^ said Mr. Bos, “ that 
I not only approve of it, but, in the event of ultimately 
finding myself out of danger — of which I shall duly 
apprise you — I authorise you to give him every informa- 
tion. This being settled, I now proceed to my second 
request. From what I have already said,” he continued, 
“ I need not tell you that I cannot show myself in 
Amsterdam without the risk of being caught in a snare 
set for me. This may be a matter of indifference for my- 
self, but I cannot keep my poor daughter with me; she 
must not share my wandering life, for her presence can 
only imperil the secrecy of my place of refuge. A 
certain Mr. Bouvelt, a notary at Amsterdam, wi^l allow 
her to reside with him, and pass her off as his niece. 
Once there, I need no longer have any anxiety about her. 
But the great difficulty is, how is she to get to Amster- 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


45 


dam? I know very well that there are plenty of canal- 
barges and vehicles going to the city, but I know also 
that all coachmen and bargemen are obliged to give 
notice to the high bailiff of the doings of all suspected 
passengers.’^ 

‘‘A young ladylike your daughter cannot very well 
be ranged under such a category,” said I. 

You are mistaken. I am certain that my arrival 
is expected, and that spies are lying in wait for me at 
Zoest and Eemnes, who know that my daughter is with 
me. If they see a young lady answering to the descrip- 
tions given of Amelia travel alone from Naarden to 
Amsterdam, they’ll begin a further inquiry. No, my 
child must not be exposed to any danger, and this is 
why I ask you to take her under your protection on the 
journey.” 

‘‘Sir,” I replied, “ I think it, of course, a great honour 
and pleasure to accompany your daughter on her 
journey ; but have you not reflected that I am really 
the least fitting person to act as her protector? If my 
father should hear of my arriving at Amsterdam with 
a young lady, it will arouse the very suspicions which 
you wish to avoid.” 

“I see,” said Mr. Bos discontentedly, “you Amster- 
dam folks are all alike. You always have a hundred 
reasons to give when there is anything to be done that 
does not quite agree with your usual ways of thinking and 
doing. Rather say at once that you refuse, and then 
there is an end of the matter.” 

“ Pardon me, sir ; as far as I am concerned. I’ll 
accompany your daughter with pleasure, without taking 
any notice of what slanderous tongues may perhaps 
say of me ; but . . .” 


46 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


‘‘Slanderous tongues!” exclaimed Bos, with a bitter 
laugh, starting from his seat. “ Who has most reason to 
fear them, my daughter or you? If slander must attach 
itself to either of you, it is against her that its shafts 
will be directed. What ! A father puts sufficient faith 
in you to place his only treasure, his virtuous, innocent 
daughter under your care, and you think that this may 
damage your reputation ? Or do you imagine, because I 
may not show myself in public, that you have the right 
to look upon my daughter as an outcast, a leper whose 
company is contagious? Sir, wretched as I am, you 
have cruelly, bitterly wounded me as well as my 
innocent and beloved Amelia. It may be the fashion 
to act thus among your formal Amsterdam patricians, 
but as for me, when any one asks me to do him a 
service, I say ‘yes' or ‘no,’ but do not bring forward 
all kinds of trumped-up objections.” 

“ Sir,” said I when this storm of words was over, 
“ you mistake me. I had no intention, either by word 
or thought, to offend you. What regards the risk of my 
as yet unsullied reputation, it may be a satisfaction for 
you to know that you intrust your daughter to one 
who has more scruples on this subject than yourself. If 
I raised any objections, it was not for my own sake, 
but for that of your safety and the good name of Miss 
Bos.” 

“ Give me your hand,” he replied, as he approached 
me ; “you are a good fellow, and you are quite right. I 
have misjudged you, for your objections do you credit. 
I trust that this frank confession may satisfy you. I 
have not been in the habit of asking pardon, and I 
should regret to have to give you satisfaction! by an)/ 
other means.” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


47 


I assured him that I was perfectly satisfied, and I 
could not help inwardly laughing at the absurd idea 
that, as a worthy ending to all the adventures of the day, 
I should have to terminate it by a duel with my preserver. 

There was now nothing left for me but to agree to the 
proposal, and I did so, although an inner voice whis- 
pered that I was involving myself in entanglements from 
which it would eventually prove difficult to escape. 

May I enter ? ’’ asked Amelia, knocking at the 
door. 

“ Have you a light with you ? asked her father. We 
wanted it, for it had now become pitch dark. 

“ Light and suppes,'’ was the reply. 

“ Wait a moment, then,” said Bos, ‘‘ until I have closed 
the shutters ; some one might see us from the outside. 
We cannot be too careful.” 

As he spoke he closed the shutters, and then allowed 
Amelia to enter. In one hand she held a bottle, in which 
was fixed a lighted candle, wbilst a napkin hung over her 
arm ; in the other hand she had a tin box. Old Martha 
followed with a bottle of beer, and a plate containing a 
tumbler, a wine-glass, a basin, a pepper-bax, two steel 
forks, a tin spoon, and three knives of different patterns. 

The company will have to make shift,” said the old 
one ; “ there be plenty of fine tumblers and plates here, I 
can tell you, but the lady has got them locked away.” 

“Ah!” I thought, “so this place belongs to a lady, 
does it? I wonder whether she knows what sort of 
guests are at this moment staying at her farm.” 

Meanwhile I observed the old woman with some 
attention ; I fancied I had seen her before, though I 
could not recollect when or where, and a very simple 
incident soon confirmed me in this supposition. 


48 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


In arranging the supper table Martha dropped a knife 
on the floor; I picked it up and handed it to her. On 
taking it from me she looked straight in my face, and all 
at once began to tremble violently. 

“ Holy Virgin !” she cried, “is it possible?’^ 

“ What is possible ? asked Mr. Bos. “ Do you know 
this gentleman ? ” 

“Really, 1 cannot say; but that gentleman looks 
just the image of a little nephew of the lady’s who used 
to visit us sometimes, years ago ; but it cannot be, 
because , . .” 

“ Martha,’^ said Bos, whom the turn of the conversa- 
tion did not appear to please, “you cannot know the 
gentleman ; he has only come to-day into tlie country 
for the first time. Go back to the kitchen, and give up 
these foolish thoughts.” 

“ Well,” repeated Martha, as she went downstairs to 
Amelia, “he is exactly like the young gentleman.” 

Wishing to learn something about her, I ventured to 
ask my host if the old crone lived all alone. 

“ Her son, a retired sailor, lives with her,” said he. 
“ It is true that she gets little assistance from him, as she 
tells me ; he is seldom at home, and spends his time in 
taverns and gaming-houses.” 

“ Who knows,” said I, “ but that her son may be the 
same fellow who received twice such a good lesson from 
you to-day.” 

“That’s not unlikely,” said Bos, laughing; “in that 
case, I have badly repaid him for the services which 
his mother renders me; but, if so, we may well be glad 
that he is not at home, for from such a fellow you may 
expect anything. I shall try and find out whether your 
suspicions be correct” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


49 

At this moment Amelia returned with a dish of pan- 
cakes, which she placed on the table. 

We sat down to our meal, and now I found a better 
opportunity of observing che young lady, who was 
destined to be my travelling companion the following 
morning. She was rather above the middle height, well- 
shaped and of exquisite symmetry. Her lovely large 
brown eyes were extremely fascinating, and their per- 
manent expression was that of sadness. Her long lashes 
and gracefully-arched eyebrows were of the same glossy 
black colour as her hair, which fell in natural curls down 
her neck. The form of her face was a perfect oval, her 
nose somewhat aquiline, and the finely-curved lips of a 
bright vermilion. Her dark complexion was not of that 
transparent clearness so conspicuous in a pretty fair girl, 
but was suffused with that warm tint which one meets 
with among Spanish or Italian women. 

It was not only in her eyes that a look of melancholy 
was observable. In an occasional furrow that marked 
the smooth brow, and in a peculiarly painful expression 
about her mouth, I thought I could detect traces of 
deep-seated grief. It was very rarely that a faint blush 
mounted to her cheeks, and when she smiled it was 
rather a smile of melancholy than of gladness. 

The movements and manners both of father and 
daughter were easy and refined. The only thing that 
displeased me in Mr. Bos was his rather patronising and 
condescending air. It was evident that he had been 
accustomed to command, and that he could scarcely 
reconcile himself to his present humble condition. As 
for Miss Bos, all that she did or spoke was equally well- 
mannered and polite, but not calculated to encourage 
the least familiarity. 

5 


( 5^ ) 


VII. 

Mr. Huyck will be kind enough to take you to 
Amsterdam, Amelia,” said my host, after we had con- 
tinued our meal for some moments in silence. 

Amelia said nothing, but she gently bent her head, 
from which one might as easily infer that she would 
condescend to accept my company as that she felt 
herself honoured by it. 

' “ And have we to travel along that charming road 
through which we: came this evening ? ” I inquired with 
a laugh ; if so, I pity Miss Bos.” 

That is unnecessary,” he answered ; ‘‘ and we need 
not have taken it to-day, but I was of opinion that the 
muddy country road would not retain so long the marks 
of my footsteps as the gravel path through the forest.” 

‘‘ Has the young lady also been obliged to travel by 
this abominable road ? ” I exclaimed. 

‘‘Yes,” said Bos, “and, like myself, loaded with bag 
and baggage ; besides, Amelia wanted to follow the 
example of -®sop, and carry the provender basket, 
although that was the heaviest of all our luggage, and 
was not gradually emptied on the road, as was the 
case with the Phrygian’s.” 

“ It is true,” said Amelia, as she rubbed her delicate 
little hands. “My fingers still bear the mark of the 
ring by which I held it” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 51 

You really take away my appetite,’^ said I, ‘‘when I 
think of the pain which the carrying of these victuals 
must have occasioned you/’ 

“ My friend,” remarked Mr. Bos, with more feeling 
than I had judged him capable of, “if the remembrance 
of my daughter’s afflictions was to prevent me from 
eating, I should long since have forgotten the taste of 
food.” 

As he spoke he grasped Amelia’s hand with a warmth 
which pla’inly showed that, whatever were his faults, he 
was still sincerely attached to his daughter. 

“ Come,” said he, “ we must hope that this disti^ssing 
state of affairs will not last much longer. A few days 
more, and then, if my presentiment does not deceive me, 
we shall be relieved from all our cares and anxieties, and 
better days will dawn ; ... we must not give way to our 
feelings before our guest.” 

And, immediately changing the subject, he commenced 
to converse with me about my travels. I observed from 
his discourse that he had not only visited most of the 
countries of Europe, but that he possessed also a tho- 
rough knowledge of the manners, customs, and politics 
of the different nations ; in fact, that he was acquainted 
with important details such as could only have been 
gathered from an intimate connection with persons of 
the highest authority and influence in their respective 
countries. 

At length, as the evening wore on, our discourse began 
to flag a little, and Mr. Bos inquired if he could have 
the pleasure of conducting me to ray bedroom. 

I agreed, and he led me up a small steep stair into a 
room of very diminutive proportions. 

“ I am afraid,” said he, pointing to a narrow bedstead 


52 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


in the corner, that this place will not greatly please 
you ; but you will have to make shift” 

I told him that he need have no uneasiness, as I 
had learned to rough it on my travels; and after he 
had left I speedily undressed, and retired to rest But 
I must confess that my bed was far from comfortable, 
consisting only of a straw mattress, an extremely short 
sheet, and a pillow, which the following morning I 
discovered to be ingeniously contrived out of a lot of 
old fishing-nets, covered with a torn sack. 

However, it was not my uncomfortable bed that kept me 
from sleeping after such a fatiguing day. On the con- 
trary, it was the effect produced upon my mind by these 
very fatigues that prevented me from enjoying a night’s 
rest. A thousand different and confused ideas con- 
tinually troubled me, and I felt a burning sensation in 
my head that chased away all slumber. The adven- 
tures of the day were constantly before me, clad in 
the most fantastic and hideous garb ; and when at 
length the angel of sleep did take compassion upon 
me, my repose was troubled by the most fearful 
dreams. 

In the midst of my sleep I was aroused by three loud 
knocks on the outer door. No doubt it was the old 
woman’s son coming home. 

Day was breaking. I quickly crept out of bed, 
dressed myself, took hold of my stick, sat down on the 
only chair in the room, and listened. I soon heard 
Martha approaching the outer door. I rose, and was on 
the point of going to awake Mr. Bos, when I heard 
the old woman say, There are some friends of the 
lady sleeping here to-night; I must not let you in; 
you had better get into the barn.” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 53 

After some vain attempts to push the door open, the 
man left, grumbling and swearing as he went. 

I sat down a little longer, then I approached the 
window, opened it with as little noise as possible, and 
inhaled the refreshing air of the early morning. I be- 
held a view well worthy of the painter’s brush. On 
the left arose a fine group of venerable oaks, the great 
trunks, with their heavy branches, standing out in bold 
relief against the still dusky sky and the grey surface of 
the Zuider Zee. A little nearer stood an old moss-grown 
ruin, evidently of an ancient monastery. To the right 
the ground became undulating, and here the view was 
occasionally broken by ranges of hills, some planted v/ith 
corn and buckwheat, some covered with gorse and 
brambles, others again rich with violet-coloured flowers, 
among which flocks of white-fleeced sheep were browsing. 
The stillness was occasionally broken by the deep lowing 
of cattle, and the crowing of a cock which was strutting 
alongside a barn, in anticipation of the approaching 
sunshine. Suddenly the thought struck me that once 
before I had gazed on this very landscape, though 1 
could not recollect when. And yet, as far as I knew, I 
had never been in this house. After repeated endeavours 
to find a reason for this fancy of mine, I at last grew 
tired of the subject, and dismissed it from my mind. 
The morning air had a beneficial effect upon me, and as 
the darkness disappeared before the sunlight my mis- 
givings and dreams of the night faded away. Lying 
down again I fell into a refreshing sleep, from which 
I was at length awakened by the voice of my host, 
and, rubbing my eyes, I saw Mr. Bos standing before 
me. 

“ It is time,” said he. ‘‘ I am sorrv that T have to dis- 


54 


THh COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


turb you, but I suppose you would not like to miss the 
first canal-boat.” 

I rose, and as I made use of the water and towel 
which he brought me, I told him what I had heard 
during the night. 

“It is just as I expected,” he replied ; “ I have taken 
the precaution to give Martha the necessary instructions. 
However, that vagabond must not see either of us here, 
the consequences might be dangerous. I must go and 
make some arrangements with the old woman. Mea*n- 
while, be kind enough to go with me to my daughter.” 

We entered the room in which we had spent the 
previous evening, where we found Amelia. Mr. 
Bos left us alone, but he returned very soon, and 
said — 

“ It is all right ; the woman’s son, Andrew, is asleep in 
the barn, and before he is awake we shall be far away. 
I have warned his mother that the police are on his track, 
and that will be enough, I think, to make him leave the 
neighbourhood.” 

In another half-hour we were on the road to Naarden. 
Mr. Bos led the way, carrying a heavy box, whicli I 
presumed contained Amelia’s clothing. He had doffed 
his red cloak, and wore a more ordinary hat than his old 
Spanish sombrero. His daughter foiled, ed him in silence, 
and I brought up the rear. After a short walk we came 
to a sort of causeway, and there my guide halted. 

“ Here we must part,” he said. “ This footpath on 
the left leads to the gates of Naarden. Farewell, Amelia! 
may God protect you, and grant you the necessary 
strength and courage to fulfil your difficult task.” 

As he spoke he kissed her affectionately on her fore- 
head. She did not cry, she made no answer; but the 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 55 

death-like pallor of her features was ample evidence of 
her feelings. 

‘‘ As for yon, sir,” said Bos, grasping my hand, let me 
thank you for the present for your kindness. I intrust 
my daughter to you, and I am convinced that you will 
not abuse my confidence.” 

Is there anything else I can do for you ? ” I asked 

him. 

“Not for the present. I have troubled you too much 
already. . . . One word more ... If ever I should fall 
into the hands of my enemies, take pity on my unhappy 
daughter, be her friend. . . . See that she may find a 
suitable haven of refuge.” 

I bowed, and promised to fulfil his request. Then he 
once more took leave of Amelia, and, turning to the right, 
departed with hasty steps by the road leading to the 
seaside. I took up the box which he had set down, and, 
following the footpath in silence,, we soon arrived at 
Naarden, where we breakfasted. Thence we proceeded 
to the quay, took tickets for the voyage, and embarked 
on the canal- boat. 

“ Welcome, Mr. Huyck,” I heard a voice cry out, and 
looking round I observed Simon, the pedlar, standing on 
deck. “Are you still here? I thought you were safe 
and sound in Amsterdam! Can I sell you nothing? 
No? good-luck to you all the same! I wish you a 
nice voyage.” 

The signal was now given, the boat was pushed off, 
and I con(|ucted Amelia to the cabin. 

We soon entered into a lirely and interesting conver- 
sation, and I could not sufficiently admire the good sense 
and kind-heartedness of my travelling companion. So 
the time sped lightly by until we reached the village 


5 ^ 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


of Muiden, where we had to disembark and continue 
the voyage in another boat. I offered my arm to 
Amelia, and thus we walked through Muiden, when 
something occurred which made me regret having agreed 
to Bos^s proposal to accompany his daughter. I heard 
the rattling of a carriage close behind me, and on turning 
round saw an elegant coach and four milk-white horses, 
with two footmen seated behind, passing by me. In the 
carriage I recognised old Mr. Blaek, accompanied by 
his poet, and by his beautiful niece. I felt the blood 
rising to my face. I raised my hat — Mr. Blaek did not 
notice me, but Harriet saw me, and the cold glance she 
bestowed on me stung me to the quick. She had recog- 
nised me, that was certain ; and what would she think of 
me now ? I had told her that I was travelling alone to 
Amsterdam, and now she saw me walking arm in arm 
with a young lady ; perhaps I should never have an 
opportunity to give her an explanation. Even if Bos 
freed me from all secrecy, who would believe me if I 
related the extraordinary adventures which I had met 
with during the last few hours ? 

But what did it concern me whether Harriet Blaek 
had seen me or not ? What interest could I feel in a 
girl whom I had beheld but once? I was surely not 
in love with her ! It was impossible for a person of 
my cool and sedate temperament to fall in love at first 
sight ! 

These and similar thoughts crowding on my mind 
drew away all my attention from Amelia, who walked 
in silence beside me. I had merely observed that when 
I blushed as the carriage passed, she had cast on me 
a furtive glance, and drew her veil closer over her 
features. I even fancied that I felt her arm trembling 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


S7 


against mine. However, I paid her little attention, and 
if she occupied my mind at all, it was with the rather 
ungenerous wish that she were miles away. 

But as soon as we had left Muiden and were once 
more seated in the boat, my thoughts ran in another 
channel, and I quite forgot my own anxieties at the 
thought of the distress of my travelling companion ; for 
scarcely had we put off when she burst into tears. 

‘‘ For Heaven’s sake,” said I, ‘‘ be calm. It grieves me 
so much to see you weep.” 

“Pardon me . . . oh, pardon me, Mr. Huyck,” she 
sobbed. “ I am very foolish, but it will be over soon. 
Oh ! perhaps it will do me good. I have not cried for 
years.” 

I knew from experience that nothing had a more 
soothing effect on those who suffer than to allow them to 
explain the cause of their grief, so I asked — 

“ If it be not rude of me to inquire, what is the cause 
of this bitter sorrow ? Have I given you any offence ? 
if so, I sincerely beg your pardon. But do not leave me 
in uncertainty. Grant me your confidence; remember 
that your father has put you under my care ; look upon 
me as your brother, and tell me what it is that oppresses 
you.” 

“ Do not ask me,” she replied, as she wiped her eyes 
and hid her face in her hands. “You would think me 
too foolish, too childish ; and yet,” she continued after 
a pause, raising her head and looking earnestly at me, 
“ why should I keep a secret which you have guessed 
already, no doubt? I have calmly and patiently en- 
dured the sorrows and vicissitudes which have hitherto 
chequered my short career. I have never refused to 
make any sacrifice when the life or the safety of my 


58 


THE COUNT OF TALA VET A. 


father was at stake. Formerly — I am almost ashamed to 
say so now — I was served and obeyed by hundreds, and 
the least offence against me was punished as a crime. 
1 had never any occasion to cast down my eyes before 
any one, or to be ashamed of my actions ; but now, to be 
brought so low as to perceive that an honourable man, 
when he is in my company and meets an acquaintance 
feels ashanied, as if he had committed a crime ... it is 
that which wounds me to the very soul ; it is a contrast 
that almost drives me mad.” 

I felt abashed and was silent, for I did not know 
what to say in my defence. How vain and childish 
appeared my chagrin in comparison with the deep sorrow 
that agitated her bosom. I pitied her, but admired the 
maidenly purity which made her attach such an import- 
ance to a circumstance which might either not have been 
noticed by others, or looked upon as a mere trifle. At 
length I summed up courage to say — 

“ I confess that I was somewhat embarrassed when that 
carriage passed us and I noticed Miss Blaek inside.”* 
“Miss Blaek,” repeated Amelia, with a scrutinising 
glance. “ I thought so ; — but pardon me, I have inter- 
rupted you ; pray proceed.” 

“I saw her yesterday; she is a particular friend of my 
sisteFs, and it might prove very unpleasant for both of 
us, if it got abroad that . . .” 

“Mr. Huyck,” Amelia interrupted, “I assure you I 
much regret that my father has troubled you with a task 
which may prove very unpleasant to you in its conse- 
quences. A curse seems to rest on our house, and 
every service that is rendered us ruins him who renders 
it.” 

“ Miss Bos,” said I, “ believe me, that if the assistance 


^HE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


59 


which I now endeavour to lend you answers to your 
father’s expectations, it will never cause me any unhappi- 
ness ; for whatever the consequences may be, I shall still 
I have the satisfaction of having fulfilled a duty of grati- 
tude, and of having acted according to my own in- 
clinations.” 

“You are an honourable man, Mr. Huyck,” she re- 
plied, with emotion ; “ and in trusting you, my father 
has given me a fresh proof of his knowledge of human 
character.” 

We were now getting very near to Amsterdam. 

“Here our acquaintance must end,” said Amelia. 
“As soon as we have left the barge we shall part, per- 
haps for -ever. May God grant health and happiness 
to those that are dear to you. May He reward you with 
His choicest blessings for what you have so generously 
done for my father’s sake, the recollection of which, I 
trust, may speedily be effaced from your mind.” 

“ Effaced,” I repeated, “ and why ? The only senti- 
ment that fills my breast at present is that of regret at 
the thought that perhaps I shall never see you again.” 

“ That regret will soon pass away,” she replied, shaking 
her head ; “ and it will also be better for you, if you 
forget our brief intimacy. The connections among 
whom your birth and position have placed you, do not 
permit you to keep up any acquaintance with unfortu- 
nates such as we, whom destiny has compelled to shun 
the light of day. Each of us has a different duty to fulfil ; 
the son of the high bailiff has already done enough for 
me ; to do more would not aid us, while, perhaps, it 
would compromise him.” 

“Be that as it may,” I answered, “I earnestly hope 
that you may prosper, and that, after the disasters and 


6o 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


vicissi^ddes to which you have been subjected, you may 
one day find yourself once more in that social position 
for which, no doubt, your birth, your education, and 
acquirements have destined you.” 

Amelia pressed my hand gratefully, and we did not 
speak another word until we arrived at Amsterdam. 
We walked together as far as the Amstel Street, when 
we took a cordial leave of one another and went our 
separate ways. 


( 6i ) 


VIIL 

Quite elated, I passed through the different streets until I 
approached my father^s house ; and as I ran up the steps 
it seemed to me that the sound of my feet on the broad 
flagstones was less audible than the beating of my own 
heart. I peeped into the parlour, apd saw my mother 
and my eldest sister, both sitting in their customary 
places ; my eyes grew dim, and I began to pull away at 
the bell as if the house were on fire. An old servant 
who opened the door went into ecstasies on seeing me, 
and the next moment I embraced my mother and sister. 
Then was heard a confused sound of running and jump- 
ing, and my younger brothers and sisters came clattering 
downstairs, their arrival being the prelude to such an 
amount of kissing, laughing, and crying, intermingled 
with inquiries and shouts of delight, that any ordinary 
mortal would have been half distracted. 

Very soon my father returned home from his duties 
at the Town Hall, and now, with so many kind and 
beloved faces near me, surrounded by such a host of 
old and familiar associations, I indeed felt, with emotion, 
that ‘ there is no place like home.’ 

We spent a few hours in pleasant chat. I once 
more took my old seat with the family at dinner, 
and after the meal retired with my father to his study. 
Acting on his advice, I sat down in a large arm- 


62 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


chair, and whilst he was occupied with some books and 
papers, soon fell into a deep slumber. 

I had passed about half-an-hour in this comfortable 
position, when I was aroused by the sound of three 
distinct knocks. 

“ There is some one knocking,” said I, making a move- 
ment towards the door. 

Do not disturb yourself,” said my father, ‘‘ it is 
only Heynz, who comes to make his report. Sleep on,” 
he continued, smiling, “ then you will not be tempted to 
divulge the secrets of the law.” 

As he spoke he took a bunch of keys from his 
pocket, and opened a door in a corner of the room, 
affording entrance to an individual whom I will now 
describe. 

William Heynz was a man of about sixty summers. 
He was short of stature, attired in a dress that was 
simple enough, but, at the same time, scrupulously neat 
and clean. His features were nothing uncommon ; but 
his small, grey eyes, keen and sparkling, showed that he 
did not lack shrewdness and energy. His career had 
been a most eventful one. In his early youth he had 
given proofs of a remarkable talent for drawing. A 
French artist, who was then travelling in Holland, took 
young Heynz under his protection, and the lad accom- 
panied him on his travels. His acquaintance with that 
artist, far from bringing him the wealth and fame which 
his parents had expected, proved only a source of shame 
and misery. At first everything went well; both master 
and pupil were charmed with each other ; but at once all 
young Heynz’s prospects were swept away for ever. 
Whilst they were staying in Switzerland, his master was 
assassinated in an inn and robbed of all he had about 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


63 


him. The murderers escaped, and suspicion fell on 
William, who was thrown into prison, with no one to 
depend on for support or assistance. After a detention 
of nearly a twelvemonth, he was discharged, as there was 
no evidence against him, and he found himself utterly 
destitute and friendless in a foreign land. He determined 
to beg his way to Paris, where some of his mother's rela- 
tives resided. The journey from Geneva to Lyons took 
him months to perform, for he was several times arrested 
on the road and incarcerated as a vagabond. Having 
at length reached Lyons, a mere accident brought him 
into contact with the notorious robber Cartouche, from 
whom he received a purse of gold as a present. He then 
pursued his journey and soon arrived at Paris, where he 
was well received by his uncle. Here he decided to 
remain for a little while for the sake of perfecting him- 
self in his art. Meanwhile he earned his living by 
portrait-painting, in which he had some success. But his 
art, instead of producing him honour and riches, brought 
him naught but disgrace and wretchedness. 

One day, having taken a likeness of the Duke de 
Choiseul, he put the money which he received in payment 
for his work into the purse which Cartouche had given 
him, and which he kept by him on account of its 
elegance. The Duke said nothing, but on the following 
day Heynz was summoned before a judge, who asked 
him how he came by the purse, which, it appeared, 
had been stolen from that nobleman whilst staying at 
Lyons. Heynz, afraid to confess that he had received 
it from Cartouche, deliberately asserted that he purchased 
it of a travelling hawker. Inquiries were made, and, 
unfortunately, it was discovered that he was at Lyons 
in poor circumstances at the .very time of the theft ; 


64 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


and that a few days afterwards he had resumed 
his journey dressed in elegant attire. The charge of 
the murder of the French artist was at the same 
time reconsidered, and was not at all calculated 
to move the mind of the judge in his favour. He was 
ultimately sentenced to the galleys, where he spent ten 
years. His behaviour, however, contrasted so strongly 
with that of the other convicts that the authorities 
intrusted to him the supervision over his fellow-prisoners. 
At length some unexpected occurrence brought to light 
his innocence of both the crimes of which he had been 
accused. He was discharged from prison, and, with 
the little money he had procured from his relations 
in Paris, he returned to his native land. Arrived in 
Amsterdam, he found his parents dead. He took up 
his abode at the Hague, and once more devoted him- 
self to the painter’s art. But the years of study had 
been miserably wasted, and although he was still fortu- 
nate in obtaining faithful likenesses, his portraits lacked 
the firmness of expression and vivid colouring which are 
the characteristics of a master-hand. He was, therefore, 
only patronised by the less wealthy, who were tempted 
by the moderate price which he charged for his pro- 
ductions. 

Whilst supporting himself in this quiet way he was 
for the third time accused of a crime which he had 
never committed. He had painted a portrait of a 
jeweller’s wife in an apartment from which, soon after 
his departure, some valuable articles were missed. On 
inquiries being instituted, it appeared that a man, 
answering to the description given of Heynz, had pawned 
them. He was once more taken before the magistrate 
and imprisoned. During his confinement, however, he 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


65 


procured the confidence of a band of thieves who were 
his fellow-prisoners, by sketching their portraits on the 
walls in charcoal. These vagabonds told him of a clever 
scheme which they had formed for their escape, and 
which would, no doubt, have succeeded if Heynz had 
not divulged their secret to the chief gaoler. He had 
also managed to learn who had committed the robbery 
at the jeweller^s, and it appeared that the thief was 
none other than his own son. As a consequence of 
his double discovery, he was not only discharged, but 
was even rewarded. 

Meanwhile the history of Heynz attracted the attention 
of the high bailiff of Amsterdam, my father’s predecessor. 
He made inquiries about the artist, and came to the 
conclusion that he was a fit person to fill a vacant office 
of responsibility in the secret police. That magistrate 
was of opinion that a person who had spent so many 
years in the company of thieves and vagabonds must 
needs know all their stratagems. He also thought that 
Heynz could be trusted, as he had not been contami- 
nated by the companions amongst whom he had so long 
lived, spoke several languages, and had a profession 
which ostensibly he still exercised, and which would 
give him access into all circles. An arrangement was 
soon made ; for not only was the salary a very tempting 
one, but Heynz quickly conceived a liking for his 
employment, and remained a faithful servant of the law. 
In the eyes of the world he was merely an artist by 
profession. To the little profits which his portraits 
produced him, he added the money which he received 
by letting furnished apartments, which afforded him 
frequent opportunities for keeping his eyes on sus- 
pected individuals, and of learning their plans, in 
5 E 


66 THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 

order to deliver them into the hands of justice if 
necessary. 

My father's house was connected by means of a pas- 
sage with a mansion which had formerly been a monas- 
tery. Through this passage Heynz passed unobserved 
twice a day, and came as he did now, knocking at the 
door of my father’s study. He was to some extent 
respected by my father ; for besides valuing him for 
his ability and for his faithful services, as a huntsman 
would value his best hound, he perceived that there was 
really nothing to be said against the man, although he 
held an office that had formerly been filled by persons 
of ill fame, according to the old notion that thieves must 
be caught by thieves. 

As it was not possible always to conceal Heynz from 
the eyes of our family, I, as well as all my brothers and 
sisters, had from our earliest youth been forbidden to 
speak of his visits at our house. The consequence was 
that we had always looked upon him as some mys- 
terious being, to be treated with awe and veneration. 

On Heynz entering the room I moved my chair 
farther into the corner, and made myself as comfortable 
as possible in anticipation of another nap ; but, as is 
usually the case, when a man does his best to fall 
asleep he seldom succeeds. So it was with me, and in 
spite of myself, I was obliged to listen to a conversa- 
tion which, although not very interesting at first, gradu- 
ally assumed sufficient importance to attract my closest 
attention. 

“ Well, Heynz,” asked my father, seating himself 
before his papers, pen in hand, “ what news do you 
bring?" 

I heard Heynz turn over the leaves of a note-book. 


THE COUNT OF TA LAVER A, 


67 

in which he usually recorded the events of the day. And 
now he began to give a detailed and systematic enume- 
ration of his latest discoveries, in a strong French accent, 
acquired during his lengthy stay in France. But as every 
one is perhaps not very anxious to know the secrets of 
the police, I shall not give any unnecessary details, and 
content myself with simply repeating the more interest- 
ing part of the dialogue between the high bailiff and 
Heynz. 

The detective handed my father a list, from which the 
latter commenced reading aloud-— 

“ Arrivals at Amsterdam : by the Haarlem canal-boat. 
No suspected persons, except the waiter of the grand- 
coffee-house in The Hague. — That man must not be 
lost sight of. By the Muiden canal-boat. . 

Here I became particularly attentive — 

By the Muiden boat : Hm ! hm ! Mr. Ferdinand 
Huyck.’’ 

“ I congratulate you, sir, on the safe return of your 
son.^’ 

“ Thank you. Who is that Miss Bos whom I find 
on the list?^^ 

I began to tremble violently, but Heynz^s answer re- 
assured me. 

“ The/laughter of the tobacconist on the Lelie canal.’’ 

“ Are there, then, <^wo Misses Bos who came from 
Muiden,” thought I, ‘‘or has Heynz been duped?” 

“ I see here the name of Miss Van Beveren,” said my 
father; “ where does she take up her abode?” 

“With your humble servant,” answered Heynz; “she 
is a nice girl, from Deventer ” 

“ Very well,” replied my father; “what is the news 
from the north ?” 


68 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


‘‘ The band, which has there again been committing 
some depredations, consists of three individuals.” 

Here I became attentive. ‘‘ It would be very funny,” 
thought I, ‘‘ if the attack made on myself were now 
brought forward.” 

“ The first,” continued Heynz, “ is a gipsy named Peter 
Hendriks, otherwise called Haentje, who has been ar- 
rested this morning, as I hear; the second is Andrew 
Mathissen, a discharged sailor, the son of a peasant, 
near Naarden.” 

‘‘ I know his mother and him, too,” said my fathei; 

‘‘Your son, Mr. Ferdinand,” continued Heynz, “will 
be able to tell you how that Andrew behaved yesterday 
in the inn at Zoest. From that village he returned to his 
mother’s house, but when the officers came to look for 
him this morning the bird had flown.” 

“ He will come into the net ; and the third?” 

“ The third, who appears to be the chief of the band, 
is none else than the renowned Black Peter, formerly a 
pirate in the West Indies, and now, for want of better 
employment, occupying himself with a little highway 
robbery. He is no bird to be caught with chaff, but 
Mat, the blind man, will find out whether he cannot 
come upon his track and inform me of his doings.” 

“All right; but now for the most important. news of 
all ; have you heard anything of the Knight of the Golden 
Fleece?” 

“ The Knight of the Golden Fleece and his daughter 
left Amersfoort at 7.30 yesterday morning, in a tilt-cart; 
at Zoest they halted, and being rudely treated by An- 
drew Mathissen, the Knight dealt the latter a blow which 
almost saved the hangman some trouble ; at least so 
little Simon, the hawker, says.” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


69 


“ Very well ; proceed.’^ 

“ They dined at Eemnes, left the tilt-cart in the neigh- 
bourhood of Naarden . . . and since then nothing has 
been heard of them.” 

“Nothing,” repeated my father, “in a tone of vexa- 
tion \ “ did Simon the hawker follow them?” 

“Simon had orders to keep an eye on Andrew as 
well ; he was like a man who wanted to catch two hares 
at once.” 

“ He should have attended to the Knight of the 
Golden Fleece. The States have issued a warrant against 
him — he is a man of more importance than Andrew, I 
should think.” 

“ Allow me to observe, that all the innkeepers and 
coachmen between Amsterdam and Arnhem have the 
Knight's portrait, and that he is sure to be arrested as 
soon as he makes his appearance.” 

“ That is not enough. He must be taken before he is 
able to obtain possession of certain documents which are 
somewhere in this city, and of the highest importance. 
It is no ordinary person with whom you have to deal : he 
knows what to do, and will be a match for us. Besides, 
he still has friends and connections who will lend him a 
helping hand. Can you not discover with whom he is 
in correspondence ? ” 

“ Not yet, your honour, but, if you desire it, we could 
communicate with the post-office.” 

“ He does not write his letters himself, you may be 
sure. If I only knew some one here with whom he is in 
correspondence.” 

My father little thought that the very person who could 
have given him all information on that point was present 
in the room. What I had heard had made such a strong 


70 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


impression on my mind that I could pay no more atten- 
tion to the conversation between my father and Heynz, 
and shortly afterwards the detective retired in the same 
mysterious fashion as he came. My position was a very 
unpleasant one. I knew that one <iay my secret would 
be discovered, and that my father would find it out ; and 
then I thought how annoyed he would be if he perceived 
that I could have assisted him in his official duties, and 
had not done so. 

And yet I should have loathed myself, if I could have 
betrayed the man who had saved my life. 

I, therefore, feigned sleep, and did not rise from my 
seat until a considerable time after Heynz had left. 


( 71 ) 


IX. 

After my father and I had some private conversation 
with regard to my future career, we both returned to the 
parlour. There we found my mother, my sister Susan- 
nah, Aunt Lina, and Aunt Louisa. 

Aunt Lina was a spinster of about forty-five years of 
age and very religious. But with her piety did not merely 
consist of outward show, but sprang from a pure and 
benevolent heart. One might take objection to her 
stiff, inelegant dress, her puritanical language might not 
always please, perhaps she was occasionally too severe 
on harmless amusements ; but none could reproach her 
with cant or hypocrisy. She assailed sin, but not the 
sinner ; never was her heart deaf to the cry of suffering, 
and what she gave away, she gave in secret. Her want 
of discrimination and her benevolent spirit sometimes 
caused her to dispense her charity to some who were 
undeserving of it; but she always declared that she 
would rather be deceived by the wicked a hundred times, 
than that a single sufferer should leave her door uncom- 
forted. Her sister, Mrs. Louisa Van Bempden, was an 
entirely different woman. She had been early married to 
a very wealthy husband, who, having no nearer relations, 
had, on his death, left her an immense fortune. The 
position which she occupied in society compelled her to 
move in the fashionable world, nor did she feel any dis- 


72 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


inclination to do so. Her days glided by in a continual 
series of balls, festivals, receptions, and pleasure trips. 
But she was by no means a mere devotee of fashion, but 
possessed many good qualities, and a very sympathetic 
nature. 

‘‘Welcome, dearest nephew,’^ said Aunt Lina, em- 
bracing me ; “ thus shall the beloved of the Lord return ; ” 
and, approaching my father : “ My dear brother, well may 
you say with the Prophet, ‘ Gather thou my sons from 
afar, yea, from the ends of the earth/ ” 

“ Good evening, dearest Ferdinand,” exclaimed Aunt 
Louisa, who, with tears in her eyes, pressed me to her 
heart. “ So you have arrived at last? I have been long- 
ing for your return, and I am glad to see you so well.” 

After having passed an hour or two in pleasant chat, 
with which the sound of joyous laughter was often min- 
gled, I retired to my room, and returned with a load of 
packages and boxes. The awful moment of unpacking 
the presents which I had brought with me had arrived. 
It would interest a stranger very little were 1 to give him 
a complete enumeration of the different articles which I 
presented first to the younger members of the family and 
then to my elder relatives, or attempt to depict the im- 
pressions which they produced. But I found it a very 
agreeable task, the more so as most of the presents 
appeared to give general satisfaction. 

All were pleased and delighted ; and the general good 
humour was increased when some sumptuous dishes and 
old wines appeared on the supper table in honour of 
my return. • The evening passed as agreeably as pos- 
sible, and only two accidents happened : a piece of j'ie 
fell on Aunt Lina’s snowwhite collar, and my young 
brother Jack spilled half a glass of wine over one of the 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A, 73 

pictures which I had given him ; two occurrences, whicli, 
however, in>as far as I could discover, made no lasting 
impression on the suffering parties. 

A few days after my return to Amsterdam I had occa- 
sion to visit Lucas Helding, the poet of Guldenhof, who 
lodged at the house of William Heynz, on the Raam 
Canal. I conversed with Helding for some time in his 
rooms on the top floor of the house, and in coming 
down the old man stood still and listened at the door of 
a front room. 

‘‘ It seems that there is something wrong going on 
here,” he exclaimed. 

‘‘ Indeed,” I replied, the people appear to be quar- 
relling.” And I, too, stood still, for the voices seemed to 
me not unfamiliar. 

“ Upon my life, it is the voice of Mr. Louis Blaek,” 
said Helding. ‘‘ I suppose he came for me, and mistook 
the room for mine.” 

Hush ! ” said I, as I listened anxiously. I heard a 
woman exclaim loudly — 

“ Once more, sir, I entreat you to leave this room, or 
you will compel me to call for assistance.” 

“ Is it possible ! ” I exclaimed, as, impelled by an in- 
voluntary impulse, and quite regardless of the conse- 
quences, I pushed the door open and entered. In the 
centre of the room Amelia, with flaming eyes and in a 
queenly attitude, was pointing to the door, whilst Louis 
Blaek stood near, evidently not at all inclined to obey 
her. 

My entrance caused no slight commotion. Amelia 
recognised me at once ; a momentary blush suffused her 
features, and she made a movement towards me, as though 
she wished to place herself under my protection. 


74 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


‘‘ Who is there ? ” asked Louis, whose back was 
turned to us. Turning round abruptly, h'e recognised 
me, and changed colour ; but recovering himself, he 
looked in turns at Amelia and me with a sneering 
smile, and said — 

“ Behold a more welcome guest. Now I shall have to 
leave the field.” 

“ Sir,” said I, “you are mistaken. I declare to you, on 
my word of honour, that I was not aware that this young 
lady lived here. I was returning from a visit to Mr. 
Helding, but I thought it necessary to enter, as I imagined 
that some one here was being rudely treated.” 

“Sir,” answered Louis, “if you ascribe any improper 
treatment to me, you shall have to give me satisfaction 
for such an expression.” 

“ I only said that I imagined as much,” I continued, 
not feeling inclined to enter into an unnecessary dispute. 
“ The young lady alone can decide if my suspicions are 
unfounded.” 

“ The young lady is sure to say that you are right ; for 
you do not mean to tell me that you who accompanied 
her to town should not know where she lives.” 

“ Take care,” said I, getting excited ; “ I do not like 
any one to place a false construction on my words.” 

“ You have insulted me,” said Louis, “ and you shall 
give me satisfaction.” 

“Whenever you please,” I replied hotly; “but we 
shall first leave this house, and spare the young lady 
any further unpleasantness.” 

“ At your service,” said Louis, pushing aside Helding, 
who had hold of his arm. 

“ One moment ! ” exclaimed Amelia, running towards 
the door. “ Sir,” she continued, addressing Louis, “ I just 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


75 


now entreated 5^ou to leave me alone ; I now desire you, 
if you value the name of an honourable man, to listen 
to me for a moment This gentleman has spoken the 
truth. He did not know, he could not know, that I was 
staying here. How j^ou succeeded in finding me out is 
a mystery which I will not try to solve. I do not know 
what thoughts you may harbour concerning me, and I 
have no wish to learn them ; but I declare that any 
offensive innuendo on my brief acquaintance^ with Mr, 
Huyck is entirely uncalled for and unfounded.” 

Just as I thought,” said Louis. “ You are too polite 
to contradict Mr. Huyck.” 

‘^You see, miss,” I remarked, ^Uhis gentleman will 
not listen to reason, and is determined to draw false 
inferences from ail that is told him,” 

Really, Mr. Louis,” observed Helding, you are mis- 
taken. Mr. Huyck came to visit me, and he would have 
passed this room without entering, if I had not called 
his attention to the noise.” 

"Sir,” said Amelia, addressing Helding, "you are a 
man of years ; pray request these gentlemen to leave me, 
and let them forget that they ever made my acquaintance.” 

"Come, Helding, don’t you hear.^” sneered Louis 
contemptuously ; " take hold of my arm and throw me 
downstairs.” 

" Enough of this, sir,” I replied ; "you have been told 
that the young lady wishes to be alqne, and you shall 
obey her as well as I ; and if you will not do so quietly, 
I shall take the liberty to act as you - have proposed 
Mr, Helding to do.” Whilst speaking, I laid hold of 
his arm, and was going to suit the action to the word, 
when the door opened, and Heynz, the landlord, entered 
the room. 


76 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


“ I think,” said he, speaking in his usual half-French, 
half-Dutch idiom, ‘‘that things are not cofnme il faut 
here, and that there is more noise in my respectable house 
than there should be. I was not aware, mademoiselle.^ 
that you received such frequent visiles. Had I thought 
that this was your habitude., I should not have let you 
these apartements . . . But what do I see ? Mr. Blaek ! 
your humble servant. How is your father ? My friend 
Holding here too 1 Mr. Hiiyck ! welcome home. But 
may I ask what is the meaning of all this?” 

“ Oh ! ” said Louis, “ it is simple enough. I was paying 
a visit to this young lady, and Mr. Huyck is pleased to 
take exception to it.” 

“ Mr. Heynz,” observed Amelia, with dignity, “ I have 
engaged this room, and I have a right to insist that I 
may enjoy my freedom in it.” 

“Your freedom, ceriaineinent ! replied Heynz, who 
misunderstood her. “No one can prevent you from 
receiving ; but this house has always enjoyed an 

honnete reputation., and I do not let my rooms to ladies 
who . . . who receive visits from gentlemen. Does 
mademoiselle understand me ? ” 

“No sir! I do not understand you,” answered Amelia, 
blushing with shame and indignation ; “and you under- 
stand me still less. What I want is to be free to receive 
no one ; and as the master of this house, you will oblige 
me by taking car^e that people do not come walking 
into my room as if ... it were a roadside inn. I wish 
to be alone, and if I am not allowed to be so, I shall have 
to look about for another abode.” 

“ I do not think,” said I, glancing at Heynz, “ that 
the lady desires anything unreasonable.” 

“ Not at all,” he remarked. “ I am sorry I was e7i erreur. 


THE COUNT OF TA LAVER A, 77 

AUons ! Gentlemen, you have heard what mademoiselle 
desires. Come, friend Helding, march ! ’’ 

‘‘ My respects to the company,” said Helding, with a 
bow, as he retired. 

Assured by the presence of Heynz that Amelia 
need fear no further insults, I also bowed and left the 
room, but took up a position on the landing, as I wished 
to meet Blaek. 

“ Adieu, proud beauty,” said the latter. “ I am very 
sorry that I have perhaps compelled you to pretend that 
you did not know this gentleman. Well, I suppose 
you have been acquainted with him longer than with me, 
and I shall trouble you no more to-day. Mr. Huyck, 
do not go yet ; I should like to have a word with you.” 

I was waiting for you,” I replied. 

Eh bienV remarked Heynz, following us downstairs. 
^*The gentlemen will not be so foolish as to create a 
disturbance in the street? If they have any dispute, 
may I ask them to step into my parlour and there talk 
the matter over? ” 

As he spoke he passed by us and opened the parlour 
door. I entered, and stood leaning against a chair, in 
expectation of what was to occur ; Louis Blaek followed, 
muttering something to himself, and wrapt in the con- 
templation of some portraits which adorned the wall. 
Heynz now joined us, closed the door behind him, 
placed some chairs for us, and sat down in a large arm- 
chair with all the dignity of a Turkish pasha. I could 
not help inwardly smiling at the comparison which I 
drew between the obedient official, who listened with 
respectful attention to the commands of the high bailiff, 
and the dignified personage who was now about to 
examine the high bailiff’s ^n. 


78 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A. 


‘‘Gentlemen,” said he when we were seated, “I know 
from experience whither youthful passion can lead us. 
You are aware that I have had some malheurs and some 
rencontres A 

“ Excuse me,’* said Louis, looking at his watch, 
“ can’t you cut it short ? I have an appointment at six ; 
it wants but a quarter of an hour to that time now.” 

“I have no desire to detain you,’' replied Heynz ; 
“but may I be allowed to ask why you were quarrelling 
together ? ” 

“ I am not in the habit,” said Louis contemptuously, 
“ of taking counsel in an affair of honour with persons 
who are my inferiors in rank.” 

“I am only a portrait-painter, I know, sir,” said 
Heynz, “ but .rather than allow any one to insult that 
young lady, I would take her part myself. I have learned 
to handle the sword in France, and have exchanged 
many a bullet with members of the noblesse. With 
regard to you, gentlemen, I shall not allow you to leave 
this house ; and I shall send word to your parents, unless 
you promise me to end the affaire at once.” 

“ You are an impudent fellow,” said Louis, flushed 
with passion. 

“No, sir, I am an artist,” said Heynz; “but 1 have 
sufficient experience to know how to deal with gentle- 
men like you.” 

“ I should like to see who will keep me here,” cried 
Louis, as he laid his hand on the hilt of his sword. “As 
for you, Mr. Huyck, I shall send you a note this evening, 
and appoint a spot where we may settle the matter 
undisturbed. And now, Mr. Portrait-dauber, clear the 
road and open that door, or my sword shall go through 
you.” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. . 79 

‘‘ Bah I ’’ exclaimed Heynz, coolly rising from his seat, 
“I am not the innkeeper of the Hagendoorn Forest.’^ 

“ What do you mean by these words ? ” asked Louis, 
with a start, as an ashy pallor suffused his features. 

“I mean that some unpleasant incidents will occur, 
which are supposed to remain unknown ; but people 
should not forget that sometimes forests have ears.’’ 

“ You shall give me an explanation of these words,” 
said Louis. 

“With pleasure,” answered Heynz; and,' opening the 
door, he and Louis left the room. In a very short time 
the impetuous young fellow returned, and in a husky 
voice and with averted eyes said — 

“We will leave the affair as it is, Mr. Huyck. I have 
been rather hasty, and Mr. Heynz has given me every 
necessary explanation.” 

“I desire nothing better,” I replied, whereupon Louis 
touched his hat and retired. 

“By what spell did you tame him?” I asked Heynz. 

“Well, I will tell you what I would tell no one else ; 
A short time since, this Mr. Blaek and some compagnons, 
mauvais garnefnens comme lui^ created a disturbance at 
an inn, where he gave the host a coup dTpee^ which ‘ 
obliged him to keep his bed for a month. The affair was 
hushed up, as the young men were respectably connected, 
and as one of them was generous enough to pay the man 
a goodly sum of money. But Mr. Blaek, who was really 
the most coupable of all, remained in the background, and 
imagined that no one had betrayed him. I have now 
told him that I knew all about the affair.” 

“ And are you not afraid,” I asked, “ that this may 
give him a clue to your connection with the police ? ” 

“ No fear of that ; if he did suspect it he would not 


3o 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


dare to make it known. I told him that if he molested 
you it would be the worse for him/’ 

“ I thank you for your trouble ; but I should not like 
him to think me a coward.” 

‘‘Look here, Mr. Huyck ; do as you like anywhere 
else, but in my house your father’s son shall not be drawn 
into any querelles if I can help it.” 

“ It was not out of fear for this Mr. Blaek, but for the 
sake of the young lady, that I wished to prevent any 
scandal.” 

“Bah!” said Heynz, as he mockingly shook his 
finger. “ I have had too much experience to be duped ; 
I know very well that you are better acquainted with 
that damsel than you like to confess.” 

“What!’' said I, with a start; “you know . . 

“That you arrived with her from Naarden. But don’t 
be afraid : I know' wdien to speak and when to be silent. 
I shall say nothing to papa.” 

The idea that I was dependent on that man’s discretion 
was not very agreeable. At the same time I felt some 
misgivings as to whether he knew anything about my 
acquaintance with Amelia’s father. 

‘•Well, yes,’^ said I indifferently; “I travelled with 
her by the Naarden boat. What of that ? ” 

“ Vouis avez raison. But neither of you spent the night 
at Naarden.” 

I looked at him steadfastly, but could not discover 
if he washed to show me that he knew my secret, or 
whether, on the contrary, he wanted to find it out. In 
any case, I determined to be on my guard, so I asked 
him as coolly as possible — 

“You who know so much, do you know anything in 
disparagement of the young lady ?” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


8i 


Nothing,” he replied ; if it were so, she should not 
lodge in my house. Ah ! Heynz is not to be deceived ; 
but, franchenient^ had any one else been travelling with 
her, I should have taken the trouble to discover by what 
means both of you found yourselves so suddenly in 
Naarden, with no one knowing how and whence you 
arrived there.” 

I felt quite relieved, for now it was evident that he 
knew nothing definite. 

Well,” said I, “ as neither Miss Van Beveren nor 
myself are suspected persons, I think you had better 
trouble yourself no more about us. There are matters 
of greater importance which require your attention.” 

With these words I rose, wished him good day, and 
left the house. I felt very annoyed at being dragged 
against my will from one adventure into another, and 
made to play a part in matters with which I would 
rather have had nothing to do. 


S 


F 


( 82 ) 


X. 

On the following day my sister Susannah and I went 
on a visit to Aunt Louira at her beautiful villa of 
Heizicht. 

On arriving there I was not a little surprised to meet 
Harriet Blaek in my aunds company. 

This circumstance would naturally have afforded me 
great pleasure, but for the studied coldness which Miss 
Blaek assumed when brought face to face with me. This 
vexed me, although I imagined that I could divine the 
cause of her displeasure. By and by, as we walked in 
the grounds of the villa, I had an opportunity of speak- 
ing with her alone for a moment, and I resolved to put 
an end to our misunderstanding. But as she stood there, 
tracing figures in the sand with the point of her parasol, 
my courage failed me, and it seemed as if I should never 
be able to make the most of the few seconds at my 
disposal. At last I summoned up my courage, and said 
with a faint voice — 

“ I do not know, Miss Blaek, whether I am mistaken ; 
but I believe that I have unconsciously incurred your 
displeasure.” 

She looked at me in some surprise ; but, resuming her 
former manner, she answered with indifference — 

‘‘ I have no right to be displeased with you, sir.” 

The ice was broken, so I continued : “ I imagine. Miss 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 83 

Blaek, that you treat me to-day, in the house of my 
relatives, with . . . with . . . less friendliness than when 
I was at Guldenhof/' 

“You do not mean to insult me?’’ said she, looking 
hard at me. 

“This is far from my thoughts, and I indignantly 
repudiate such a misconstruction of my words. But I 
am not mistaken ; something has occurred^some one 
has placed me in a bad light before you.” 

“Sir! . . . I do not know, . . . but it appears that 
I am to be cross-examined,” she remarked, very ill at 
ease. 

I saw that she would not state the reason of her dis- 
pleasure, and I resolved to allude to it more directly, so 
I proceeded — 

“ How can you be so unreasonable as to impute wrong 
motives to everything I say ? Last Wednesday, at Gul- 
denhof, we were on such pleasant terms together, that I 
looked with delight at the possible future in store for me; 
and now you will scarcely honour me with an answer . . . 
no ; already, the day before yesterday, when you drove 
past me at Muiden, your bow was so curt.” . . . 

“Sir!” she exclaimed, her eyes glistening with 
astonishment and indignation at my daring to make 
mention of that meeting. 

“Or is it, perhaps, that meeting itself,” I continued, 
“which has given rise to erroneous impressions about 
me? You are silent.” 

“ Indeed, sir, I do not know what to reply,” she 
remarked, with hesitation. “ I am not your censor, and 
it is a matter of utter indifiference to me with whom you 
keep company.” ... 

“Allow me to remark,” said I, “that that meeting 


X4 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


alone would not have influenced you against me. I 
presume that your cousin Louis, whom I met at Naar 
den, and who was perhaps misled by appearances, 
has inspired you with ideas which it is my duty to 
remove.” 

She changed colour, and a tear glistened in her eye. 
I perceived that I had guessed rightly. 

“I have .but lately returned home,” I continued, “and 
I wish that my reputation should remain unsullied. 
Above all, I should not like you to misjudge me. I 
declare to you, on my word of honour, that I met the 
young lady by whom I was then accompanied, by a 
mere accident, that I hardly know her, and that between 
her and myself there exists no relation whatever. If it 
were otherwise, I would not have been shameless enough 
to commence this conversation.” 

“Sir,” she replied,*after a short silence, “there was 
not the least necessity for you to consider yourself 
answerable to me for your actions. It is true that people 
have told me ... I thought ... it does not matter 
what. I confess I have not treated you very politely. 
... I have been mistaken, and I beg your pardon.” 

“ Do not talk about begging pardon,” I said, now 
feeling quite at ease. “ Appearances were against me, 
and it is I who should apologise for the indiscretion of 
which I have been guilty.” 

“ Well,” she replied, with a charming smile, “ then we 
shall consider the matter as settled, and dismiss it from 
our minds.” 

“ Oh, thank you,” I exclaimed, and taking her little 
hand in mine I pressed it to my lips. 

“ Hillo ! ” cried Susannah, who suddenly made her 
appearance, “where did you learn those manners?” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 85 

“Well, Susan,’’ said Harriet, blushing, “I thought 
tnat you would never return.” 

“Do you hear, brother?” said Susannah; “you do 
not seem to possess the gift of making one forget the 
time.” 

“How do I know that Miss Blaek will allow me to 
attempt it?” I replied, with a laugh. 

The three of us now took a walk in the gardens, and 
Harriet’s manner towards me became more and more 
affable. 

The next day, a Sunday, we all went to church after 
breakfast. When the preacher had finished the first 
part of his sermon, and whilst the congregation availed 
themselves, in the usual way, of this opportunity to in- 
dulge in some coughing and sneezing, I took a glance 
at the worshippers present, and saw among them an 
individual whom I had certainly not expected in such 
a place, and in whom I recognised the chief of the three 
highwaymen who had attacked me : the notorious Black 
Peter, who was most elegantly attired. His eyes met 
mine ; he gave me a friendly nod, laid his finger on his 
lips, by way of an appeal to my silence, and concentrated 
all his attention on the sermon. 

This strange encounter caused me no little emotion, 
and my attention became quite distracted from the 
service. I could not help casting my eyes on the 
bandit, who appeared to be hanging to the lips of the 
minister. At first I ascribed his demeanour to mere 
hypocrisy; but when the preacher began to give a 
startling picture of the fearful consequences of sin, I saw 
very plainly that his devotion was sincere. His eyes 
swam in tears, his breast heaved with emotion, and at 


86 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 

length, covering his face with his hands, he laid his head 
on the open Bible before him, and began to sob aloud. 
I thought that the seed sown by the preacher had 
fallen in fruitful soil, and that this man would turn away 
from the wrong path for ever ! And at the concluding 
part of the service I offered up a fervent prayer for the 
poor penitent. Meanwhile, I was not a little surprised 
when, on leaving the church, I saw several of the vil- 
lagers bow to the man as they went out. 

On returning home, we sat down in the parlour to 
await the arrival of the. guests whom my aunt had invited 
to dinner, and who soon made their appearance. They 
were Mr. Blaek and his son, another commercial man, 
Mr. Van Baalen, and a certain Captain Pulver. 

The captain was a short, stout, rubicund little man, so 
corpulent that one was obliged to look at him from a 
distance to see his legs ; whilst on the top of this little 
round figure was placed a little round head, just like a 
knob on the lid of a Delf teapot. 

After dinner the captain said he would spin us a yarn 
about his experiences whilst in the service of the West 
India Company. We expressed our delight, and pro- 
mised to be very attentive. 

You must know,^^ he commenced, that it is now 
^bout five years ago that I was in command of the 
brig ‘Prince,’ belonging to the West India Company, 
and bound for Curagoa. . We had favourable winds 
for several days ; and I should think that we had 
already made some way. One day, being asleep in my 
cabin, I was awakened by some one calling me. 

“ ‘ What is it ? ’ I cried out. ‘ Who is there ? ’ 

“ ‘ It’s Sander,’ was the reply. 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A. 


87 


“ ‘ What’s the news?’ 

‘‘ ‘ Don’t you hear ? ’ he asked, ‘ a storm is coming on.’ 

“ I hurried up from the cabin, and found the rain 
descending in torrents. 

“ ‘Did you ever see. such rain before?’ asked Sander. 
— Sander was my second mate, and a fine lad. 

“ ‘ Well,’ said I, ‘are you afraid of a little rain, man?’ 
but, meanwhile, I donned my great coat and sou’-wester. 

“ I looked at the clock : it was five o’clock in the 
morning, but no sign of coming daylight was to be seen 
on the horizon. Meanwhile the rain poured down 
with unabated violence \ the sky was black as ink ; but, 
strange to say, on the surface of the waters it was as 
clear as daylight. 

“ ‘ Ship ahoy ! ’ cried the watch. 

“ I took my night-glass, and saw a galleon, appa- 
rently of Spanish build ; I could clearly distinguish 
her masts and rigging. But I did not long stand 
looking, for I was not at my ease with the weather. 
The rain ceased, but the clouds were sinking lower 
and lower. To the south-east, as far as the eye could 
reach, the waves were white with foam ; and we heard a 
dull rumbling under the water, as if an earthquake were 
at hand. Meanwhile, far in the distance, the rain still 
continued falling in showers ; but about a quarter of an 
hour afterwards, as the wind grew stronger, the great 
drops were scattered in every direction. I hastened to 
get all sails in, for I mistrusted the elements ; and I was 
right, as you will hear. Some moments afterwards the rain 
came upon us, and poured down almost perpendicularly ; 
then suddenly it seemed as though it were lifted up, and 
quickly disappeared in vapour. On our right, however, 
a long white sireak came creeping across the water, like 


88 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA 


dust on a country road after a long drought. We heard 
more and more plainly a dull, rumbling sound, and the 
ship commenced to sigh and heave, as though she antici- 
pated her fate. All at once a fierce gust of wind struck 
our sails ; a tremendous wave bounded on deck, and I 
felt as if I had been slashed in the face with a dozen wet 
towels. Then there came another wave, and in the 
twinkling of an eye I was washed overboard. With a 
splash I was carried away on the top of a foam-capped 
billow, and ere I had time to say a prayer I sank. But 
I soon again rose to the surface, and now I saw my 
vessel a good way oiF, dancing about on the waves like a 
young horse gone mad ; and I knew very well that in such 
weather the crew could send out no boat in search of me. 
Pulver, my boy, thought I, it’s all over with you ; say 
your prayers, and there is an end of it. But just at that 
moment I felt a great tug at my shoulder, and was pulled 
back with some force. That’s a shark, said I to myself, 
who wants me for his breakfast ; and I dared not look 
round from fright ; but, no. ‘ Here, old fellow ! ’ I heard 
a voice say ; and, looking round, I saw Sander, who, like 
me, had been washed overboard. But, luckily for him, 
a big dog-kennel was washed over with him, and he load 
quickly held on to it. He floated towards me seated on 
its top, and succeeded in getting close enough to haul 
me along, so I managed to scramble on its top too. 
There we sat on our box, drifting farther and farther 
away from the ship ; but said I to Sander, ‘ Be brave, 
my lad : the good Lord has saved us thus far ; He will 
preserve us yet.’ 

“‘The deuce, old fellow!’ said Sander; ‘just look, 
there is the Spaniard very close to us.’ 

“ I looked around, and there was our big Don dancing 


THE COUNT OF TA LAV ERA. 


89 


on the waters. Meanwhile the storm had somewhat 
abated, and it was getting tolerably light so that I could 
easily distinguish the crew on the foreign vessel ; and, 
happily, we were fast approaching it. They did not 
observe us, but at that moment I felt a hard substance 
pressing on my chest, and, putting out my hand, I luckily 
found my speaking-trumpet. That was a grand discovery. 
I immediately put it to my mouth, and began to halloa 
as if twenty-five sucking-pigs were being slaughtered, and 
until I was out of breath. Then Sander took a turn at 
it, and then I followed it up again, until at length they 
heard us on board of the Spaniard, and directed their 
glasses on us. They saw us ; the weather had grown 
calm, a boat was sent out ; and in less than a half-hour 
we stood on the deck of the galleon. The ship came 
from Cadiz, and was bound for Carthagena, where, I 
believe, she had to deliver money. I sailed with the 
Don, and had to lend a hand during my passage. Now 
and then I got a small plate of lentils, for which Esau 
would not have given a half-penny, much less his birth- 
right. But that did not signify ; and I was glad enough 
to have had such a ixarrow escape. The only thing that 
annoyed me was, that I was drifting away so far out of 
my course, and I was in a fix how I should return from 
Carthagena ; for to Carthagena I was obliged to go. A 
ship is not like a canal boat, and does not stop on the 
road to land passengers. 

‘‘About six days after we had come aboard of the 
Don, a large vessel was in sight, which came toward 
us in full sail. She was a corvette ; and, as far as we 
could judge, well built and well manned too, for she 
cut through the waters most admirably. But, pretty 
as she was, we did not feel greatly charmed with her 


90 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


appearance ; she showed no colours, and there was 
something arrogant about her, as much as to say : 
What do you want in my waters ? As for the Don, 
he was of the same opinion ; he shook his head suspi- 
ciously, and had all sail clapped on, so as to get out of 
our friend’s way. But the corvette seemed bent upon our 
company, and continued sailiftg behind us, like a groom 
behind his master. The Don pulled a wry face. He 
perceived that the corvette was too polite for him ; and 
he cast his eye along his crew, as though he wished to 
make sure that he could rely upon them in case the 
stranger should have any evil intentions. Then he 
called out to me — 

‘ Can you fire a musket?’ he asked. 

‘ I should think so,’ I answered ; ‘ and I can handle 
a handspike too ! ’ 

‘‘ ‘ All right,’ said he. ‘ Then I’ll just see whether you 
can earn your victuals ! ’ 

‘‘At the same time he made all his men come on deck 
and prepare for fight. The guns were loaded, the 
muskets brought forward, the balls laid handy, and each 
man was provided with a poniard in his belt. But whilst 
we were making these preparations, we saw a little flame 
on the other ship, and a ball came upon us, sending 
our topgallant mast by the board. 

“‘That’s an unmannerly fellow!’ I remarked, ‘but 
he knows how to aim ! ’ 

“ ‘ We cannot get out of her way,’ said Don Ricardo ; 
‘ but we’ll show her that we can also do something.’ 

“ Meanwhile the corvette bore steadily down upon us, 
and we were soon able to distinguish the crew on deck 
— and unfriendly enough did they look : the whole craft 
bristled with handspikes, boarding-pikes, and axes. ‘ It’s a 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


9 


freebooter/ 1 remarked to Don Ricardo, as I stood, musket 
in band, on deck. In reply he pointed to a red rag 
which was being hoisted on board the pirate. The 
next moment the royal flag of Spain was flying at our 
mast. 

‘ Fire ! * cried Don Ricardo, and in a moment six 
guns went otf one after another, hitting the freebooter 
so square on the bow that the white splinters were 
scattered far and near. Now the corsair buffed ijound, 
and he gave us a pummelling. Down came our fore- 
mast, rigging and all, and fell with a great splash into 
the sea. But, through the sudden movement of the 
vessel, we had drifted away a little from our foe, and as 
the wind was high, we might have been able to escape. 
However, ere we had time to make preparations, the 
pirate fell upon us in the* rear and repeated his polite 
salute, causing the utmost confusion on our deck. 
The next moment our opponent had attached her 
grappling-irons to our ship, and we were hooked on to 
each other. In the twinkling of an eye more than 
fifty pretty fellows made their appearance in the midst 
of the smoke and fire to pay us a friendly visit. We 
gathered round the Don and the Spaniards, who 
went bravely to work to give them a welcome, and 
who repaid our friend’s politeness with interest ; whilst 
Sander and myself also showed that we could do some- 
thing more than eat lentils. But all at once the pirate 
captain sprang upon us, and a formidable fellow he was. 
A tall handsome man, with the mien of an admiral and 
with eyes like coals of fire. ‘ Carracho ! ’ he exclaimed; — 
I believe that is the Spanish for surrender! Well,- he 
needed not much eloquence to persuade us to do that, for 
the majority of our sea-lions, together with Don Ricarrlo, 


92 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A, 


were already lying stiff on deck ; and the others were in 
such a condition that they would not have been able to 
distinguish the moon from a green cheese ! As for 
myself, a bullet had penetrated my hat, but I did not 
receive any other wounds.’^ 

‘‘Well, that’s very strange,’’ observed Susannah, sur- 
veying the captain’s rotund figure with a smile. 

“You mean to say, missy, that my stomach was a 
fine target to aim at. But such is fate. By my side 
lay a senor who had received three bullets, although 
the fellow was not much stouter than my left arm. 
But every bullet has its billet, do you see ? Well, the 
pirate captain now leaped on deck, and brandished a 
naked sabre in his muscular hand. What could I do? 
I laid down my handspike and awaited what was to 
follow. But there was Sander, who felt no inclination 
whatever to surrender; and just at the moment when 
one of those uninvited guests was about to have a 
grip with him, up he sprang, and fell upon the captain 
of the pirates, laying about him like a madman. In a 
moment five or six of our pretty visitors came rushing 
up, and one of them, grasping him by his arm, was just 
about to give him a blow with his axe, and send him 
with his compliments into the next world, when the 
pirate chief addressed him in Spanish, and commanded 
him to desist. I thought the boy did better by keeping 
quiet, so I cried with all my might — 

“ ‘ Sander, are you mad ? What do you want to 
do?’ 

“As I spoke the captain looked at me, as I thought, 
rather kindly ; and then I saw him whisper something 
to a man next to him. 

“ Sander and myself, who were the only two left alive 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


93 


of all our crew, were bound together, taken to the cor- 
vette and thrown into the hold. Well, we sailed away, 
and for about four or five days we remained in that 
miserable hole without seeing sun or moon ; although, 
I must say to the credit of the freebooter or his cook, 
that we got first-class food. At last, I think it was on the 
sixth day, we were hauled on deck. I looked about me ; 
but, shiver my timbers, if I knew where we were. We lay 
at anchor in a narrow strait, of which the water was so 
clear that I could distinguish the sand on the bottom, 
and all the fish that swam about in it. To the right and 
to the left arose steep walls of rock of immense height, 
everywhere overgrown with trees and shrubs, while in 
some places the cleft was so narrow that boughs on both 
sides met, and formed a kind of bower. There were fowls 
of all varieties, and pigeons, turkeys, ducks, und nightin- 
gales were blending their notes harmoniously, while cranes 
of all hues stood looking composedly at us. But I did not 
have much time to observe it all at my ease. We were 
lowered into a boat alongside and taken a good distance 
from the ship, until we arrived at a spot where the water 
had made a side cleft in the cliffs. Here there was a land- 
ing-place, and we were made to ascend some steep steps 
in the rock. When we arrived at the summit we had to 
descend again on the other side. At length we came to 
a valley which was the usual abode of the pirates ; and 
a safe refuge it was too, for whoever did not know the 
entrance to the strait and the path across the rocks 
would have had trouble enough to find it. Now, we were 
taken to a large shed guarded by sentinels with loaded 
guns; quite an unnecessary precaution, for even if we 
wanted and had been able to run away, we should not 
have known which way to tak». We remained there some 


94 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


considerable time, whenouo day a very pretty little lady, 
I should say about fourteen or fifteen years of age, with a 
charming face, and neatly dressed, came to us. 

“ ‘ Are there no Dutch seamen here ? ’ she asked in 
very good Dutch. 

“ Sander and I looked at each other in sheer amaze- 
ment. 

‘‘ ‘ At your service,’ we said both of us. 

‘‘ ‘ Will you be kind enough to follow me ?’ she asked 
again in the sweetest little voice. 

‘‘ ‘ With much pleasure/ we answered, for we had had 
enough of that filthy shed. 

‘‘ She led the way. The sentinels presented arms to 
her, as if she were a princess, and we walked behind her 
across a field until we came upon a very nice little 
summer-house, half hidden among some lofty cocoa-trees. 
Here we passed another sentinel. She opened a side 
door, and we entered a small apartment where we saw’ 
a man seated at a table, dressed in a silk dressing-gown, 
and very busy writing. 

Here are the two Dutchmen, papa/ said the young 

girl. 

“ Tl;>e gentleman looked up from his papers ; it was 
the pirate himself. 

“ ‘ What is your name ? ’ he asked me, looking me 
straight in the face. 

‘ Harman Pulver,’ said I. ‘ What ! the deuce, does 
your honour also speak Dutch ? ' 

You are here to answer, and not to ask questions, 
said he gruffly. ‘ How old are you ? ’ 

‘ Forty-five,’ said I. 

“ ‘ How did you get on that Spanish ship ? ’ 

Well,’ I replied, H’ll jif^t tell you that/ and so I told 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


95 


him the whole affair from beginning to end. He listened 
very attentively. Then he asked me how long I had 
been at sea ; whether I had a wife and family at home, 
and such like. After that he turned to Sander, who had 
also to give his name and age. 

‘‘ ^ Sander Gerritz,’ said he, ‘ you will remain in my 
service until I find you some other employment. Amelia, 
take that boy to Diego, and tell him to let him have a 
suit of clothes, and to teach him his work.^ ” 

At this stage of Pulver’s story I could not help looking 
at him in surprise. 

‘‘Amelia,” I repeated j “was his daughters name 
Amelia ? ” 

“ Yes,” answered Pulver \ “ a pretty name for the 
daughter of a pirate. Well, at any rate, the girl was very 
nice and friendly. She tripped out of the room, and San- 
der followed her, not knowing whether he did right or 
not, as I could plainly see from the way in which he 
looked back at me. ‘ Now comes my turn,' thought I. 

“ ‘You, Harman Pulver,' said the captain, ‘you shall 
be my second mate, as I lost my last in the fight.' 

“ ‘ I thank you very much,’ said I, ‘ but I would rather 
not' 

“ Then he made a face as though he would devour me. 

“ ‘ What ! ' said he ; ‘ and why not ? ' 

“ ‘ Well,' I answered, ‘ because . . .' and at the same 
time I fumbled in my trousers-pocket, where, in spite of 
shipwreck and pirates, I still kept a small pocketBible, 
and, opening it, I showed him the eighth command- 
ment.” 

“ Well done,” said Harriet 

“And how did the pirate take it?” we all asked 
together. 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


“ Well, better than I had expected. He looked rather 
sour at first, but still I noticed that it made an im- 
pression. 

“ ‘ I am not going to enter into a theological argument 
with you/ said he, ‘or I could convince you that this 
article’ — he called it an article; the man had evidently 
not studied the Bible much — ‘ that this article does not 
apply to my profession. 1 am a sort of sovereign here, 
and at war with all nations; only I have a foolish weak- 
ness for the Dutch, although they do not deserve it. I 
grant you an hour to reflect,’ said he, rising to go. 

“ ‘ And if I do not accept it?’ said I. 

“ ‘ Then you’ll be hanged,’ he replied, as coolly as if 
he had given me my choice between a drop of brandy 
and a glass of wine, and with these words he walked 
out. 

“ I reconciled myself to my fate, and sat down, think- 
ing that I might as well read a chapter in my Bible 
before I took my departure. Whilst I was so engaged 
the little lady came tripping in again. 

“ ‘O captain,’ said she, ‘ do tell me something about 
Holland ; I do so much like to hear about Holland.’ 

“ ‘ My dear young lady,’ said I, ‘ I would do so with 
pleasure, but I have little time now, for I am going to be 
hanged in an hour ; so I may as well devote my last 
moments to prayer, and think of my poor wife and six 
fine little ones, whom I leave behind me,’ and I felt my 
eyes beginning to water. 

“ ‘What ! ’ said she, ‘ have )^ou a wife and children ?’ 
and the good soul began also to cry. ‘And who says 
you must be hanged ? Is it papa ? ’ 

“ ‘ Yes.’ 

“ ‘ Well, I shall beg and entreat him to spare your life.’ 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


97 


“ ‘ My dear young lady/ said I, ‘ if I wish to remain 
alive I must take service with your father ; and I cannot 
make it agree with my conscience/ 

“ ‘ And why not?^ she asked very innocently. 

‘ Well, because your father’s profession is a very 
sinful one.* 

“ She looked hard at me, and said very hur- 
riedly, as though she were afraid of hearing her 
own words, ‘I know it, I know it. Do not talk any 
more about it. You are right. I am not used to 
hear the truth. Read on, I shall not disturb you ; but 
I will stay here. I must speak to my father ; you are 
safe/ ” 

Strange ! ” remarked Harriet, wiping away a tear j 

and how did the father of a girl who spoke like that 
come to be a pirate ?” 

“ That is what I have always wondered at myself, 
young lady,” said Pulver, ‘‘but you shall hear more. 
Miss Amelia sat down opposite me, with her arms folded 
on her breast. The hour had scarcely passed when her 
father again entered the room. 

“ ‘Who told you to come here ?* he asked his daughter; 
‘ leave us alone.’ 

“ ‘ No,’ said she, ‘ I will not, unless you promise me 
to let this man go. He has a wife and children,’ she 
continued, clasping her hands. ‘ Do let him go, father 
dear; you will not refuse your little Amelia?’ And 
thus she went on, caressing him and bestowing on him 
the sweetest appellations. 

“He sat for some time staring sternly before him. 
At length he appeared to have come to a decision. He 
took her hand, said something to her in Spanish, and 
led her out of the room. I heard him give her a kiss 

S G 


98 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


outside. ‘ Ah/ thought I, ‘ that is a favourable omen/ 
The next moment he returned. 

“ ‘Well ! ’ said he, ‘ have you decided ?’ 

“‘Yes,^ said I. 

“ ‘ And what is it? Cut it short, mind. Yes or no?^ 

“‘No,’ said L 

“ ‘ You choose to be hanged, then ?’ 

“ ‘ No ; not if I can help it.’ 

“ ‘ You perceive that there is no other choice. I 
cannot very well allow any man who has been here to 
go away and reveal my place of refuge on his coming 
home.’ 

“ ‘ Look here, captain,’ said I, ‘ you can safely let me 
go in the same fashion in which you brought me here. 
I won’t trouble you with my visits, that I can assure 
you ; and if I wanted to show the way to others, I should 
have to know it myself first. The deuce, it will be 
better for you if you grant me my life \ you don’t know 
how I may yet be of service to you. For instance, if 
those gents of the West India Company should ever get 
their grip on you. I’ll do you more good by speaking 
in your favour, than by dangling from one of those 
trees.’ 

“ He seemed to reflect a moment. 

“‘You cannot yet judge of our life here,’ said 

he. 

“Thus speaking, he whistled, and a boy entered, 
smartly dressed as a sailor, to whom he gave his orders 
in Spanish. 

Follow that lad,’ he said to me, ‘he will take you 
to the right place.’ 

“ What could I do ? I made a bow, and walked be- 
hind the little fellow, who took me to a building which 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


99 


appeared to serve as a dining-hall for the band And 
what a motley crew there was ! Fellows from all 
nations: Portuguese, Spaniards, Englishmen; Italians, 
Frenchmen, and Dutchmen also. And I had to take a 
seat at their table, and see how they lived. I must 
say the rascals had meals fit for a burgomaster; meat 
and poultry of every description, wine in abundance, 
and good stuff, too. Said I to myself, ‘ Pulver, my 
man, that’s all done to tempt you ; but they shall not 
succeed.’ Meanwhile some of them sat down near me, 
and began telling me how well they lived under Don 
Manuel, as they called the captain, and how foolish I 
was not to stay with them ; at the same time they 
poured me out cup after cup. But I laughed in my 
sleeve, and thought : I am not afraid of a drop ; I can 
stand a good deal. Then there was one of them who 
wanted me to sign a paper, but I threw it right across 
the table; another made a rush at me, but I knocked 
him down and gave him such a thump that he did not 
ask for a second one. The whole lot then fell upon me, 
and I was bound and thrown into a shed. The next morn- 
ing four fellows paid me a visit, and commenced blind- 
folding me. I thought that things looked very sus- 
picious, and that now my time had come, so I deter 
mined to die like a man ; but no, they led me for about 
a quarter of an hour across a field, T believe, for I 
walked on grass; then I was suddenly thrown into a 
boat, and after some time I made out, from the wind 
which played about my face, that we were close to the 
open sea. All at once I felt that I was being dragged 
on board a ship, and I thought, ‘ They are going to hang 
me sailor-fashion now,’ but I was wrong : I was led 
between decks; I heard the anchor weighed, and sail 


lOO 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


made. For about twenty days I remained below, with- 
out any one saying a word to me. You can imagine 
how pleasant it was. At last we dropped anchor. I was 
once more blindfolded, bundled down into a pinnace, 
and taken on shore. When the bandage was removed 
from my eyes I found myself in a little coppice. One 
of the pirates handed me a small bag of money, and 
said — 

‘“Take hold of that, and pack yourself off. Follow 
the first path you get to, and youli meet some people. 
But if you should at any time recognise us, mind you 
don^t peach on us or track us, or . . / 

“ Here he made a movement with his hands which I 
understood perfectly well. Off they ran; and I stood 
alone, looking about me, like a man dropped down from 
a balloon. Well, I walked straight through the coppice, 
very anxious to see where that path would lead me, until 
I came to a sort of cottage, where I found a couple of 
negroes, who showed me the way to Havannah, which 
was near enough. I walked into the town, and soon 
found a place of shelter for the night, at the house of 
an old Dutchman whom I knew. A few days after 
my arrival at Havannah I went out for a walk, and 
met two merchants, in whom I thought I recognised 
some of Don Manuel’s people. In the harbour I saw 
a very neat little copper-sheathed brig under Portu- 
guese colours, which seemed to me very suspicious. 
However, I took care to hold my tongue as long as I 
stayed there, which, luckily, was shorter than I had 
expected ; for a few days after I availed myself of an 
opportunity to take ship to Curagoa, where I was fortu- 
nate enough to overtake the ‘ Prince,’ which was just 
weighing anchor as I arrived. You can imagine how 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


lOI 


they all stared when they saw me alive, for they had 
made sure that I had taken my last dip long ago.” 

And have you never since heard anything more of 
the pirate ? ” asked Susannah. 

“ No, neither did I desire to renew his acquaintance. 
But I fancy that about a year after I had seen him he 
disappeared, at least I never heard more about him; but 
there were afloat a good many rumours about another 
pirate, a certain Black Peter.” 

Is Black Peter the same man who is said to wander 
about near here?” asked Harriet. 

‘‘ Come,” said Susannah, “ do not let us talk any more 
about thieves and pirates, or we shall have the night- 
mare. But have you never heard of your friend Sander, 
captain ? ” 

“ No, and I am afraid he has taken a liking to a 
pirate’s life; he always was a devil-may-carc sort of 
fellow.” 

The captain’s story had made me thoughtful. The 
little that he had said about Don Manuel and his 
daughter, and the name of Amelia which he had 
given to the latter, excited strange suspicions in my 
mind. 

The conversation now became general. Pulver was 
loud in his praises of my aunt’s wine, declaring that he 
had not tasted such good stuff since his imprisonment 
by the pirate. Old Mr. Blaek’s conversation was very 
pleasant and sensible, and he made a much better 
impression upon me than he did on the day when I 
first saw him. Still it seemed to me as though he were 
stricken by some intense sorrow, for his genial manner 
became occasionally clouded by a gloomy sadness ; in 
fact, he had the appearance of a man who was agitated 


102 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


by remorse. My aunt was very vivacious, and formed all 
kinds of schemes for pleasant entertainments for the 
future ; Susannah threw in an occasional joke, and Louis 
Blaek appeared to devote more than usual attention to 
his cousin. 

We were at dessert, and Mr. Blaek was just telling us 
of the daring robberies which had lately been committed 
in the neighbourhood, when a servant whispered to me 
that a gentleman was outside who desired to see me. 

I made my excuses to the company, left the room 
and entered the parlour, unable to divine who could 
think of visiting me at my aunt’s house ; but who can 
depict my astonishment when I recognised in the person 
who was waiting for me Black Peter in propria persona ! 


( 103 ) 


XI. 

What ! you here 1 ” I exclaimed. 

“ I risk nothing, Mr. Huyck,^' he replied, for I know 
that you are not the man to betray me.” 

“Still I cannot imagine what you may wish to say 
to me.” 

“ In the first place, I must, as in duty bound, thank 
you for the silence which you have kept about our 
meeting.” 

“ You would do better,” said I, “ to abandon altogether 
your profession, or you will come to no good end.” 

“Alas! sir,” he replied, with a deep sigh, “does it 
always depend on us to choose our profession ? Can I 
go against fate ? How could I, after all that has hap- 
pened, enter on a better path, and sail under a better 
flag ? Would you, for instance, employ me as a groom if 
I asked you ? ” 

“ You know,” said I, smiling at the supposition, “ that 
one does not engage a groom without first looking at 
his certificates of character ; and I doubt whether yours 
would satisfy me.” 

“ You should not be too sure of that, sir,” answered 
he, whilst he produced a leathern note-book from his 
pocket, out of which he took some papers. “ What do 
you think of this certificate, sir?” 

I took it, and read, not without surprise, a declaration, 
written in Spanish, and signed by the Count of Talavera, 


104 the count of T a LAVER a. 

testifying to the irreproachable conduct and zeal shown 
by Sander Gerritz, of Amsterdam, whilst in his service. 

Is this a genuine signature ? ” I asked, returning him 
the paper. 

“ The signature of the Count of Talavera is well known 
both among our merchants and at our public offices. 
But here are more documents, all from sailors, such 
as Captain Slingerford, Captain Blueflag, Captain Set- 
sail, Captain Pulver . . 

“ We could at once get that last signature examined,” 
said I, ‘‘ for the captain is at this moment in the din- 
ing-room.” 

“ The deuce ! ” exclaimed Sander, quickly removing 
his papers from the table ; ‘‘ I should like to have a look 
at the old man, but you know I do not want to see any 
former acquaintances, as they might feel inclined to blab 
about things which I would rather keep to myself.” 

“ May I ask you whether you have not among your 
documents a paper signed by a certain Don Manuel ? ” 

Sander gave me a penetrating glance. 

‘‘ Ah 1 ” said he, after a short pause, you know as 
well as I do, sir, that such a paper is among them, al- 
though his name sounds somewhat grander. However, 
you can well understand now that I dare not sail under 
my own flag, so I am compelled to hoist false colours. 
Accordingly I have assumed the name of Joachim Hair- 
brain for the present.” 

My father is an honourable man : if you \vent 
straight to him, and frankly told him your story, he 
would probably be able to get you a pardon for what 
you have done, and improve your prospects.” 

“ Though the ship be never so rotten and the breakers 
never so fierce, the sailor will not attempt to save his life 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 105 

by leaping overboard when he sees sharks near. I thank 
you, Mr. Huyck, but I have too much respect for my 
neck to accept your proposal. My intention is to go to 
Russia or Norway, and try if I can be of use there; for 
that lurking behind the bushes and picking of locks is no 
work for one who has had the command of a corvette/* 

“ May Heaven assist you,” said I ; but have you 
anything further to say to me ? The company is awaiting 
me, and ...” 

And the society of a vagabond like me is not very 
pleasant to you: I can understand that. I shall cut my 
tale short ; I wish to offer you this trifle as a token of 
my gratitude.” 

As he spoke, he offered me a ring set with fine 
brilliants. 

“ No, thank you,” I said ; I have no guarantee that 
you have any right to give me that ring, and besides I 
do not wish to be under any obligations to you.” 

“ The ring belongs to me,” said Sander ; “ I took it 
with my sword from a corsair, who came marauding in 
our waters. But if you do not desire it, I must remain 
your debtor. Twuce you have met me ; again I will rely 
on your discretion.” 

“ I will promise you to keep your secret for another 
twenty-four hours ; but after that I shall think it my 
duty, as an honest citizen, to make known your hiding- 
place.” 

“ In twenty-four hours’ time you may, for my part, 
cry from the house-tops that Sander Gerritz, Joachim 
Hairbrain, and Black Peter are one and the same 
person.” 

“ So be it ; but you had better go now. I hear the 
guests moving in the next room.” 


io6 THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 

‘‘ One more request, sir ; perhaps you know a certain 
poet named Lucas Helding ? 

I told him I did. 

‘‘ Well, may I ask you to hand kim this money ? The 
man is in needy circumstances, and I know that it will 
not come amiss.’^ 

At the same time he produced a small bag of money, 
which he offered to me. 

“ What ! I exclaimed in surprise, does Helding too 
belong to the band ? ” 

‘‘No, sir; but I knew him of old, and I am aware 
that his only means of subsistence are the scraps which 
the rich throw him, as they would do to a favourite dog. 
I have sufficient for my journey, and can well spare this 
trifle.’’ 

“ Pardon me,” said I, “ but if the old man knew 
whence this money came he would never accept it.” 

“ The deuce take your scruples,” remarked Sander, 
biting his lip ; “ the man from whom I took this sum 
was a stranger, to whom I cannot return it, as I don’t 
know his whereabouts. I wish to part with it ; and I 
cannot do better than spend it in charity.” 

“You would do better,” I replied, “ to return it to the 
man from whom you stole it.” 

“ Listen, sir, and then judge me. Six years ago, 
before I took sail with Captain Pulver, I was acquainted 
with Holding’s daughter, an angel of purity, the delight 
of her father and of all who knew her. We loved each 
other ; she was to become my wife as soon as I should 
be a pilot. The evening before my departure, when we 
were alone together ...” 

Here he burst out sobbing. 

I was touched at the emotion of the man who, in 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


107 


spite of his misdeeds, was not quite bereft of generous 
feelings. 

‘‘ I understand,” said I, ‘‘you were rather bold, or she 
was perhaps too weak.” 

“ Yes, sir. I went on my voyage, and had to 
struggle with much adversity. I was made prisoner by 
pirates, and, out of sheer necessity, entered their service. 
I soon secured the confidence and favour of the captain, 
who promoted me to the rank of lieutenant. It would 
take too long t® relate now why he left us, and how it was 
that I assumed the name of Black Peter, making that 
name as famous as that of Don Manuel had been. But 
fortune turned against us at last ; I was taken prisoner, 
but escaped, and made my way to a Dutch vessel. 
At Helvoet, however, I was recognised ; I fled from the 
rascals who were after me, and since then I have led a 
wandering life. I had been a pirate and became a high- 
wayman, but I soon grew weary of such a life. Mean- 
while, I tried my best to obtain news of Clara Holding ; 
I heard that she had left her father, had gone from bad 
to worse, and was leading a life of profligacy. I know 
that this is not wholly my fault, and yet it seems to me as 
though I had been the cause of all her misery. Now do 
I not owe the old man some amends ? ” 

Sander related his story in a trembling voice, whilst 
on his countenance I saw the same traces of strong emo- 
tion which had attracted my attention at church in the 
morning. 

“ If all this be true, you will be the last person from 
whom Helding will accept anything,” I replied. 

“Never mind. Helding does not know who sends 
him this money. Once more I entreat you to give it to 
the old man.” 


io8 THE COUNT OF TALA VET A. 

Have you no other means of sending it to him ? I 
asked, somewhat perplexed, for I heard the company 
coming out of the dining-room. 

“ Amongst my acquaintance are not many honest folks. 
Here lies the money ; I shall not take it up again ; you 
will undertake to forward it.^’ 

“ Really,” I continued, ‘‘ it is a commission which I 
cannot reconcile with my conscience.” 

“ Your servant, sir. May Heaven bless you,” and 
with a bow he opened the door and quiijpd the house, 
leaving me no choice but to take up the money and 
rejoin the company. 

On returning to the dining-room door I found myself 
face to face with Pulver, who seemed quite bewildered 
and amazed. 

Pardon me, Mr. Huyck,” he said, ‘‘ who was that 
man who gave you this small bag ? I am sure I have 
seen him before under very different circumstances.” 

‘‘ I cannot tell you now,” said I; “ but I will do so 
on some future opportunity.” 

In the evening, as we were taking tea, I turned the 
conversation on Spanish affairs, and took an opportunity 
to inquire whether any one had ever heard of the Count 
of Talavera. 

At this question it seemed to me as though Mr. Blaek 
changed colour; he affected not to hear it, but Van 
Baalen quickly replied — 

‘‘ Who has not heard of the Count of Talavera ? He 
was a Knight of the Golden Fleece, a Spanish Grandee, 
Admiral of Castile, a favourite of the King of Spain; 
and, in short, fortune's darling. But he fell into dis- 
grace, and ran away. No one knows what became of 
him.” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 109 

‘‘ I remember now that I have heard of the man 
before,” I said. 

‘‘Be quiet,” whispered my aunt, touching Van Baalen’s 
elbow. 

“ I may add,” he continued, quite regardless of her 
hint, “that he is a Dutchman by birth, and commenced 
his career in our country’s service. Mr. Blaek will, re- 
collect the Baron Van Lintz ? ” 

“ I, sir ? ” asked Mr. Blaek, the tea-cup .trembling in 
his hands. “ Excuse me ... no ; ... I do not remem- 
ber him at all.” 

“No ! Is he not then . . . Oh! how can I be so 
stupid ? ” said Van Baalen ; “ I had really forgotten 
that you are some connection of that gentleman. I 
beg your pardon for the mistake which 1 have made.” 

I was as wise as ever. I looked round : Mr. Blaek 
had scarcely recovered from his agitation, and Van 
Baalen continued to make his excuses. Harriet raised 
her handsome eyes inquiringly to each of us in turn ; my 
aunt offered some refreshments, and did her best to 
change the conversation ; Louis Blaek hummed a French 
song, and Susannah began with another sally. 

As for Pulver, he was enveloped in such a cloud of 
tobacco smoke that it was impossible to see his features. 

As is usually the case after a similar incident, the 
conversation now began to flag, and it was a real 
pleasure to me when the tea-table was cleared, and 
we all took a walk in the village, where a fair was held 
that evening. 

About nine o’clock the four gentlemen took their leave 
and drove away. 


( no J 


XIL 

The following morning it was with a heavy heart that I 
saw my aunt’s chaise before the door, which was to take 
me away from a place where I left some fair lady who, 
despite our brief acquaintance, had become inexpressibly 
endeared to me. I could postpone my departure no 
longer, for I had that very day to enter the firm of Van 
Baalen as a partner. I arrived at home in high spirits, 
and, after having embraced my mother, and delighted 
the younger members of the family with a big cake which 
Susannah had given me for them, I went to the office of 
Van Baalen, who received me very kindly, and introduced 
me with due formality to his book-keepers, clerks, and 
messengers. 

As the day wore on, I remembered the message to 
Helding. At first I intended to intrust Heynz with it, 
but I renounced this idea, as I was afraid of exciting sus- 
picion. An opportunity was at hand. When it was 
almost time to close, and the messenger came to inquire 
whether there were any more orders for him, I took him 
aside, gave him my instructions, and handed him the 
money. I stayed a little longer with Van Baalen in 
order to settle- different matters about our partnership, 
and returned home in a very good humour. 

In the evening I had joined our family circle, when 
there was a ring at the bell, and the next moment 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


I 


Helding stood before me. Now, I feared, the clond 
would burst over my head. 

The instant he entered he made a low bow, and com- 
menced to express his gratitude in the most extravagant 
terms imaginable. 

“ But, my dear Mr. Helding,” said I, I am at a loss 
to know what it is you are alluding to \ I assure you, 
your thanks are quite uncalled for.’* 

“ Yes,” remarked my father, who fancied Helding 
came to thank him for the two ducats which he had sent 
him a few days since in acknowledgment of a poem 
\Yritten in my honour, you need really not have taken 
the trouble of coming here for this purpose. The poem 
with which you honoured us is but poorly paid with such 
a trifle.” 

“A trifle, my dear sir !” exclaimed Helding; ‘‘really, 
twenty-five ducats may be a trifle for you, but they are 
not so to me.” 

“ Twenty-five ducats ! ** repeated my father ; “ there 
must be some misunderstanding ; that money does not 
come from me ; and as for my son, I doubt whether his 
pocket will allow him to be so munificent.” 

“Ah, my dear sir,” resumed the poet, “you are mak- 
ing a mistake. Your son’s noble way of giving heightens 
the value of the gift.” 

“ Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand 
giveth,” muttered Aunt Lina. 

“ Any attempt at concealment is in vain,” continued 
Helding ; “ the affair was nicely arranged, but I have 
found it out, for all that.” 

“ Pray, let us hear the facts,” said my father. 

“With pleasure, sir. I was sitting in my top-room 
with an ode in honour of Mr. Smethofs birthday before 


II2 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


me, and Heynz, my landlord, was with me, just making 
out a receipt for the quarter’s rent, which I had paid him 
out of the two ducats which you recently sent, when 
there was a knock at my door ; ‘ Come in,’ said I, and 
a gentleman walked in and asked for me. 

“ ‘ I am Lucas Helding,’ 1 answered. 

‘‘ ‘ Then will you take this little bag, and be kind 
enough to give me a receipt for it ? ’ 

With this he commenced counting out the money on 
my table. I trembled with agitation. 

“‘My friend,’ said I, ‘you must be mistaken; I am 
expecting no money.’ 

“‘I am not mistaken at all, sir,’ he replied, still 
counting the money and arranging it in heaps, ‘if you 
are I.ucas Helding.’ 

“‘But who has sent it?’ 

“ ‘ Oh ! I must not tell you that.’ 

“It seemed to me as if everything were swimming 
before my eyes when I beheld such a sum of money.” 

“‘Well,’ said Heynz, ‘I should put it away at all 
events.’ 

“ I asked Heynz to write the receipt for me, as I was 
too excited to do anything but stare at the money. 
This being done, I signed it with a trembling hand, and 
the man retired. 

“‘Can you understand it, Mr. Heynz?’ said I. 

“‘No, but it is a windfall on which I congratulate 
you.’ 

“ ‘ Do you know the man? ’ I asked again. 

“‘Oh yes,’ he replied, ‘he is a messenger at Mr. Van 
Baalen’s office.”’ 

That deuced spy is always spoiling something, 
thought I. 


THE COUNT OF TA LAV ERA, 113 

“ On hearing this,” continued Helding, “ I handed 
the money to Heynz, requesting him to put it by for 
me, and I hurried on to Mr. Van Baalen’s. But I had 
scarcely said a few words when I discovered that I had 
gone to the wrong place. 

“ ‘ I do not give away my money,’ said Mr. Van 
Baalen, ‘ but I’ll call the messenger.’ 

“The messenger opened my eyes; you had given the 
ducats to him to take them to me.” 

Here the whole family looked thunderstruck at me. 

“I was not aware that your means were so large,” 
said my father, with amazement. 

“I am sorry that it has been discovered,” I replied ; “ but 
I can assure you, Mr. Helding, that I am not the person 
from whom this money originally came ; the gentleman 
who intrusted it to me desires to remain unknown.” 

“And can I make no guess at the donor’s name?” 
asked Helding. 

“ I assure you,” I replied, “ that it would be of no avail; 
I am positively forbidden to give you any hint.” 

Helding sighed. “ In that case,” said he, “ I must 
still thank you for the trouble which you have taken.” 

He soon after retired, but I had more trouble in 
allaying the suspicions of my father, who could not get 
over the mystery of the ducats and my connection with 
the affair. 

The next day my fear of discovery was greatly in- 
creased. A hamper of fruit and vegetables arrived at 
our house, as a present from Aunt Louisa, and it con- 
tained also the following note from Susannah to me ; — 

“ Master Ferdinand, — You have been playing some 
pretty pranks ; so, you see, my prophecies have been 
fulfilled ; T knew you would never end well. You 
S H 


1 14 THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 

were always looked upon as an eighth wonder in the 
family ; whilst I, who knew better, was no more believed 
than the late Miss Cassandra. But so it has always 
been. When wisdom cries out in the public streets, 
every one stays at home ; but when folly only just whistles, 
a crowd gathers at once. You had better take care that 
the crowd does not come to see you hanged. Fancy ! 
what a touching spectacle it would be to see the son of 
a high bailiff dangling from a pole ! Well, don’t look 
so innocent ; the thundercloud has burst. This morning 
Roggefeld comes trudging along to aunt with some cows 
to sell, and he tells her that a certain Mr. Hairbrain, 
who lived in his cottage, has run away ; and that, 
according to the bailiff, this Mr. Hairbrain was . . . 
well, you can guess it — or, rather, you know it already — 
the identical Black Peter, and the perpetrator of sundry 
burglaries and highway robberies. Now, you can imagine 
how aunt looked, knowing that you were very intimate 
with that gentleman, and that he paid you visits. She at 
first intended to write to papa about it ; but I pointed 
out to her that she would only occasion him needless 
grief, and that it would be better that I should first lecture 
you myself on the subject. 1 can tell you that I shake 
and tremble at the idea ; and then I hear that Pulver has 
told aunt that you received a bag of money from that 
fellow. Are you also a member of the firm of Cartouche 
& Co. ? I had better put Van Baalen on his guard, or 
who knows, you may break open his safe one day. I 
have already advised Harriet Blaek to look over her 
boxes, and see if you have not made away with anything. 
As far as she is concerned I might forgive you, for that 
would but be tit-for-tat, seeing that she has proved herself 
guilty of stealing your heart. Well, you will surely lose 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 115 

all claim on her heart if you have such acquaintances, 
but defend yourself if you can, for aunt is in high wrath : 
a pair of silver sugar-tongs are missing, which she fancies 
that your friend, that vagabond, has taken away with him,- 
on the occasion of his visit ; or, perhaps, you have pawned 
them? You are not a whit too good for it ; that, you 
know, is the opinion of your sister, — Susannah.’^ 

This epistle was not at all calculated to set my 
mind at rest, and I cursed my rash promise. However, 
as I saw the necessity of satisfying my aunt, I wrote to 
Susannah, thanking her for the service which she had 
rendered me, by giving me such timely information, 
and especially by dissuading aunt from writing to my 
father. With regard to the interview with Black Peter, 
I merely said that the man had handed me some money, 
and had requested me to send it to a third person ; 
but that it was a secret in which people were involved 
whose names I might not mention. “Believe me,’^ I 
concluded, “that I was not a little surprised at the 
honour of his visit, and that I wished he had intrusted 
some one else with his troublesome commission. I. did 
not refuse it, as it was really a restitution which he wanted 
to make, and because, as I have reason to believe, he 
is about to leave his shameful profession for ever, and 
enter on a more honourable career.” 

I owed a visit to Aunt Lina, and I determined to 
go to her that evening. I first asked the servant girl 
who opened the door whether my aunt was engaged, as 
I knew that she sometimes had a prayer-meeting at her 
house, and I did not feel in the right humour to enjoy 
such pious company. 

“ My mistress,” said the servant, “ is with a young lady 
who has just arrived,” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


Ii6 

I walked upstairs, expecting to meet some pious 
female ; but who can depict my amazement, when, 
having arrived in my aunt’s back-room, I recognised 
Amelia Bos in the young lady who was drinking a cup 
of tea? As for her, she was no less surprised at my 
appearance, and the cup nearly fell from her hands. 

^‘Ferdinand !” said aunt, “I did not expect you this 
evening. You know this young lady, I believe ?” 

“Yes, aunt, but I certainly did not think that you 
knew her also.” 

“ And must we know our neighbour to render him a 
service.^” asked aunt. “Did the widow of Zarephath 
know the man of God when she welcomed him in her 
dwelling?” 

“Far be it from me,” I ansvvered, “to doubt your 
goodwill towards your neighbour \ and yet I am at a loss 
to know how you became acquainted with this young 
lady.” 

“ I will tell you. Being at the hosier’s this morning, 
I saw her there with Helding, and he introduced her to 
me. Seeing that she is like unto Mary, and loves to 
listen to the voice of truth and piety, I invited her to 
visit me this evening, and to take part in the edifying 
instruction which I endeavour, according to my ability, 
to give to those who thirst for the waters of life.” 

I could not recover from my astonishment. “ What ! ” 
thought I, “wherever I go, must I be continually ex- 
posed to encounters that can only result in fresh com- 
plications? Has my native city become enchanted dur- 
ing my absence, or have 1 1 Besides, Amelia is a Roman 
Catholic. Has she wilfully misled Aunt Lina, who is 
so steadfast in the faith ? Or is it all a misunden 
standing ? ” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 117 

As for Amelia, although at the first moment she 
seemed no less confused than I was, she quickly recovered 
herself. 

“ The young lady has told me,’^ said aunt, that you 
rendered her a great service.** 

“Yes, Mr. Huyck,’^ said Amelia, helping me out of 
my embarrassment, “ I told your aunt that you were kind 
enough to rid me of a very troublesome gentlemkn.’^ 

“ I did my duty,^’ said I ; “ and every honourable man 
would have acted as I did.** 

“And, I suppose,** said my aunt, “the young lady has 
also told you that she is alone and deserted, like Ruth 
the Moabitess, without even having a mother-in-law to 
whom she could say, ‘Thy people are my people, and 
thy God is my God * ? ** 

I was at a loss what to reply. “ Do you think, dear 
aunt,** I asked, to help myself out of the difficulty, “that 
I am fit to advise a young lady ? ** 

Amelia seemed to have discovered why I gave this 
evasive answer, for she quickly remarked, “ Madam, I 
told your nephew that my position was very unfortunate, 
for Mr. Bouvelt, at whose house I was to have lodged, 
cannot receive me, and I cannot return to Deventer, for 
my family is away from home.’* 

“Tell me, child,** resumed my aunt, after a short 
silence, “ do you want advice, or are you in need of 
money perhaps? — or are you ashamed to speak tome in 
the presence of my nephew ? ** 

“You are too kind, madam,** said Amelia, weeping, 
“but it is my misfortune, that I may not open my heart 
to any one, not even to you, gladly as I would do so. I 
have perhaps told you too much already. Oh! I ought 
not to have come here.** 


ii8 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


Aunt Lina looked at her with mingled pity and amaze- 
ment, and I perceived that she was at a loss how to act. In 
her quiet and retired life she had had but little oppor- 
tunity of gaining an understanding of human nature. 
She daily visited the unfortunate, helping them with hand 
and heart, but still the griefs which she allayed were gene- 
rally more or less of a commonplace nature, and she had 
rarely met with persons whose distress, as was the case 
with Amelia, sprang from a very unusual source. She 
glanced at me, for I was standing, hat in hand, uncertain 
whether I should leave the ladies alone, and risk Amelia’s 
confiding entirely in my aunt, who did not seem to be 
the right person to listen with heartfelt sympathy to 
her story. 

‘‘ I think, ladies,” I observed, “ that you would both do 
well to alter the subject of your conversation, and simply 
talk about embroidery and needlework. I feel convinced 
that if the young lady has been unhappy in her solitude, 
it is chiefly because she has had nothing to occupy her- 
self with. Aunt, you could perhaps not render this 
young lady a greater service than by providing her with 
some of the work for the poor of which you have always 
plenty.” 

Mr. Huyck has guessed my thoughts,” said Amelia 
hastily, for she understood my meaning. ‘‘Oh, I should 
gladly work for those who need it.” 

“You shall have work,” replied my aunt ; “ and help 
me in making clothes. You shall assist me, my child, and 
we shall work for the benefit of the widows and orphans.” 

Seeing that everything was now arranged, I took rny 
departure, and left the two ladies to their kind occu- 
pations. 


( 119 ) 


XI 11. 

The following evening I had occasion to make a call at 
Helding’s with a message from my father. As I left his 
room and was coming downstairs, I heard my name, 
whispered ; I turned round and beheld Amelia standing 
on the stairs which led to her room. 

“Have you a moment to spare?” she asked softly, 
and with a slight tremor in her voice. 

“Can I be of any service to you?” I faltered, rather 
annoyed at being perhaps again compelled to interfere 
in her affairs. 

“ Follow me,” she said, in a tone which was rather 
commanding than entreating, and, taking hold of my 
arm, she half dragged me upstairs into her room. A 
light was on the table. As soon as we were inside, she 
closed the door, but did not lock it She then sat down, 
and motioned me to be seated opposite to her, moving 
away at the same time a chair which was near her, as 
though she did not want me to sit down by her side. 

“ I am very glad to see you,” she began, in a hurried 
manner. “ I had been waiting on the stairs for some 
time, and was afraid that any one else might have seen 
me there. I want to speak to you very particularly, for 
I have no one in the whole city in whom I can trust 
except you.” 

“ I hope,” said I, as calmly as I could, that I shall 
be able to assist you, but your position is peculiar.” 


120 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


‘‘ Well, to make matters short ... I can no longer 
remain here/^. 

“And what makes you come to this decision?’^ 

“ Listen 3 I am beginning to fear that a snare was 
laid for me before I entered this house; , . . that Heynz 
is a spy, a secret agent of the police.” 

“ I knew it,” said I ; “ but I did not want to alarm you, 
so I never mentioned it to you.” 

“ What ! you knew it ? Perhaps you are one your- 
self ? . . . but no, no, your appearance is too honest. . . . 
I am ashamed that I should harbour such thoughts 
about you. But listen, and judge of my anxiety. I was 
just now on the stairs to meet . . Here she stopped 
short, and a crimson blush suffused her cheeks. 

“ Well ! to meet . . . ? ” 

“ Never mind. I heard your voice. In short, I was 
on the stairs ; there was a crevice in the woodwork ; I 
looked through it, and in a little room, which I had 
never before noticed, I saw Heynz in conversation with 
the same pedlar who brought me to this house.” 

“ Simon ? Luckily he does not know you. He never 
saw you with your father.” 

“Oh! you are trying to tranquillise me,” she said, 
shaking her head, “ but listen. At first I could under- 
stand nothing of their conversation, but gradually I 
began to observe that the pedlar was giving Heynz some 
information about certain highwaymen who had been 
seen near Naardeo. This already alarmed me, but 
imagine my terror when, in reply to a question of 
Heynz, he to d him that some one whose hiding-place 
the police were doing all in their power to discover, and 
in whom I recognised my own father, according to the 
description which I heard him give, had been wantlering 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


I2I 


about in South. Holland, had stayed at The Hague, and 
was expected to arrive to-morrow in Amsterdam by the 
boat from Utrecht.” 

“ Here I in the lion^s den ? ” 

“Fancy how I felt. I only hope that it may not be 
true, for my father is lost if he comes to this city. His 
anxiety about me would be the only reason which I can 
assign for such a hazardous step. Have I not to fear 
that they want to entice him to this house in order to 
make him fall into a snare laid for him ? Ought I not 
to leave so dangerous an abode ? ” 

“ Pardon me,” said I, after a moment’s reflection ; 
“have you yourself nothing to fear from the hands of 
justice ? ” 

“ I ? ” she replied, with evident surprise, “ what can I 
have to fear? Or is it the fashion in this country to 
extend the enmity against the father unto his children?” 

“ No,” said I ; “ but measures of precaution may some- 
times be taken. ... I should advise you not to leave 
this house as yet. If the detectives know nothing, your 
departure will only tend to excite suspicion, and move 
them to keener investigations. If they have already 
discovered the truth, no retirement can avail you any 
longer. Besides, you yourself appear to be unacquainted 
with your father s abode, and in case you left this house 
you could not inform him where you went to. I can 
give you no other advice than to await the future with 
resignation.” 

“ With resignation ! ” she repeated, rising from her 
seat and walking up and down the room. “Good 
Heavens 1 is it possible? This fearful suspense is in- 
sufferable.” 

“Alas!” said I, with a sigh, “what would you have 


122 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


me do for you? Even if my position as a son of the 
high bailiff did not prevent me from actively assisting 
you, would not regard for our reputation dissuade me 
from all direct interference in your behalf?” 

These were harsh words, and they shocked her deeply; 
for, stopping short in her walk across the room, she 
looked at me with eyes sparkling with indignation. 

“ They told me long ago that I should but find cold 
hearts in this country. The tongue of slander . . . indeed ! 
These are the pretexts behind which people shelter them- 
selves when there is a question of rendering service to 
a fellow-creature : they would see a human being drown 
rather than sacrifice one of their prejudices. But I shall 
give you no further annoyance, Mr. Huyck. Pray pardon 
the trouble which I have occasioned you.” 

‘‘ Miss Bos,” said I, with some embarrassment, I 
have unconsciously given you offence, and, on my honour, 
I did not intend it. You have, I believe, seen evidence 
enough of my desire to assist you as far as lies in my 
power. Really, I pity you most sincerely, and I only 
wish I knew what I could or might do for you.” 

^‘You are right,” she said, wiping away a tear; ‘Mt is 
I who am unreasonable. After all you have done for 
me you deserve something better than reproaches. And 
your aunt, too, has been so kind to me. Oh, if my father 
would but allow it . . . how gladly would I make her the 
confidante of my sufferings. She would aid me, I am 
certain of that; she would get me out of this house 
where everything makes me tremble, and deliver me from 
the intrusions of that Mr. Blaek, who gives me not a 
moment’s rest.” 

“ What ! ” I exclaimed, “ has he made a fresh attempt 
to see you ? ” 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A. 123 

It is useless to return him his letters and presents/' 
she replied, ‘‘the next day I find them again on my 
table ; he must have accomplices in this house. Look 
what he dares send me.” 

As* she spoke she passionately drew open a drawer, 
and produced a handsome necklace, which she laid on 
the table. 

“ And then his letters, in which he makes me proposals 
which I would feel ashamed to repeat. Oh ! I am indeed 
unhappy.” 

Grief at length triumphed over her strength of mind ; 
she put her handkerchief to her eyes, and sobbed con- 
vulsively. I rose from my chair, she stood at my side 
and unconsciously bowed her head, so that it rested on 
my shoulder. It was a critical position, and I was 
thinking how I could best get out of it when I heard 
footsteps on the stairs. 

Amelia stepped aside, trembling violently. 

‘‘ Good Heavens ! ” she exclaimed, “ would the detec- 
tives dare to come here, and at such an hour ? ” 

“ This way, Mr. Van Beveren,” I heard Heynz 
say. 

The door was opened, and a gentleman in a crimson 
coat, with powdered hair, and spectacles on his nose, 
entered the room, followed by Heynz. 

“ It is I, Amelia,” said Mr. Bos ; “ I did not know,” 
he added reproachfully, “ that you had company.” 

Amelia stood transfixed. She wrung her hands, and 
looked at her father with eyes full of terror. As for 
Heynz, he stood laughing behind *the back of Mr. Bos, 
and shook his finger at me \ but I did not know whether 
to ascribe his good-humour to the delight of having in 
his power a man whom he had so long looked for, or to 


124 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


a certain roguish pleasure at seeing me so inconveniently 
surprised by Amelia’s father. 

“ I suppose/’ continued Bos, ‘‘you did not expect me 
so early ; but my business was finished sooner than I 
expected ; besides, as I told Mr. Heynz, I have met with 
an unpleasant adventure, which compelled me to shorten 
my journey. I see, too,” he added, with a reproach- 
ful glance at me, “that it was high time for me to 
return.” 

“ Pardon me,” said Heynz, stepping forward, “ this 
is Mr. Huyck, the son of our respected high bailiff, and 
an honourable gentleman, whom the young lady need 
not be ashamed to know.” 

“I am myself the best judge of the acquaintances fit 
for my daughter,” said Bos, turning to Heynz, and speak- 
ing in an authoritative tone ; “and as I have to speak to 
her in private, I will ask you . . 

Here he pointed to the door with a commanding 
gesture. 

“ Certainly,” said Heynz, somewhat abashed, “ I will 
not disturb you ; ” and he left the room. As I stood 
undecided whether I should follow him or not. Bos 
said — 

“ Stay, sir; I have a word to say to you.” 

“ Heavens, father ! ” said Amelia in a hushed voice, 
“ what have you done, and why do you venture here ? 
Do you know who that man. is who has just left the 
room ? ” 

“ I know all,” answered Bos, “ and I do not think 
that it is I who have been the most imprudent of us three. 
But I was rash when I trusted Mr. Huyck.” 

“ Sir,” said I, rather piqued, “ I have kept your 
secrets even at the sacrifice of my own comfort” 


THE COUNT OF TA LAVER A. 


125 


‘‘ I do not allude to my secrets,’^ replied Bos ; I wish 
to know the meaning of your visit at such an untimely 
hour, and why these jewels are on the table/’ 

“ Mr. Huyck is not guilty, father,” said Amelia, ere I 
had time to answer ; “ he came here at my request . . , 
he has nothing to do with these trinkets.” 

‘‘At your request!” exclaimed her father, more and 
more annoyed. “ Unfortunate man that I am 1 ” 

“ My presence in this room can be easily explained,” 
said I as calmly as I could ; “ and if you will allow Miss 
Bos or myself to tell you what has occurred since our 
arrival in Amsterdam, you will not be surprised that she 
felt greatly alarmed, and took counsel with one in whom 
alone she could place confidence. By putting any other 
construction on my presence, you would misjudge her as 
well as myself.” 

“ Very well,” said Mr. Flos, as he sat down, “ I will listen 
to you ; it would indeed be hard if I were forced to lose 
my respect for the only being who yet attaches me to 
life.” As he spoke he'held out his hand to his daughter, 
who covered it with kisses. We now gave him a brief 
account of what had taken place. He made no obser- 
vation, either during or at the end of the narrative, but 
merely shook his head thoughtfully at times. At length 
he kissed his daughter's hand, and from this I inferred 
that he was satisfied with our explanation. 

“ And now, sir,” I resumed, after a short silence, “ I 
must confess that Miss Bos’s alarm is not unfounded, 
and that your arrival here is not calculated to re- 
move it.” 

“ I am myself as surprised at being here,” he replied, 
“as the Doge was when he found himself at the court of 
Louis XIV. 1 have learned by experience, however, that 


126 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 

an audacious boldness will sometimes better mislead 
people than the cleverest stratagem. Since your depar- 
ture, Amelia, I have been very uneasy at receiving no 
reply from you, especially as I wrote to you twice, 
under cover to Bouvelt, to say that I was staying at The 
Hague with the Russian Ambassador. ...” 

Which letters,” I remarked, “ are probably still lying 
unopened at the notary’s, for he is dangerously ill.” 

“ Meanwhile,” continued Bos, ‘‘ I had observed that 
my movements were being watched by the same pedlar 
whom I saw in the inn at Zoest. I was so anxious 
that I could no longer withstand the desire of hearing 
something about you. To Mr. Huyck I dared not write ; 
he has had trouble enough with us already. At length 
I resolved to make my way hither. But first I had to 
give the slip to my troublesome satellite, the pedlar. 
Yesterday, being at Utrecht, he was at my heels again. 
On meeting him in the street, I asked him if he would 
go a message for me. I gave him some money to pay my 
cabin fare to Amsterdam by the next boat. His eyes 
sparkled with joy ; and I felt certain that he would at once 
carry the joyful news of my intended journey to his em- 
ployer. I walked to Zoest, where I took a carriage as far 
as Amersfoort, and waited there for the arrival of the 
Deventer coach, which took me to Amsterdam. On the 
road I changed my dress completely, powdered my hair, 
and rendered myself still less recognisable by putting on a 
pair of spectacles. Arrived in town, I put up at a good 
hotel under the name of Van Beveren, and went straight 
to Bouvelt’s, where I was* informed of your abode. As 
soon as I heard the name of Heynz my plan was formed. 
I was aware, nev’-er mind how, that this man was con- 
nected with the secret police ; and knowing that nothing 


THE COUNT OF TA LAVER A, 


127 


was better calculated to mislead even the sharpest people 
than to flatter their vanity, I went to see him before I 
came here. I told him that I was Amelia’s father, the 
merchant from Deventer, whom Bouvelt had mentioned 
to him. I also told him that I had been robbed by a 
rogue, whom I described so exactly that his portrait com- 
pletely corresponded to that of the man who attacked 
you near Naarden ; and I added that he, Heynz, had 
been recommended to me as the ablest person to dis- 
cover such scoundrels. I ended my narrative by hand- 
ing him a suitable present, and I trust that I have now 
duped him.” 

‘‘ But, papa/’ said Amelia, although you may mislead 
Heynz, are you not afraid that there may be persons 
in Amsterdam who will recognise you?” 

‘‘ Who can now recognise in me the gallant young 
midshipman, who, five-and-twenty years ago, sauntered 
along the streets o^ Amsterdam ? ” 

‘‘No one would at first sight ; but it may happen when 
it becomes known that you are staying here. Besides, 
this city is full of foreigners, who may have met you 
abroad in former days.” 

“ I do not intend to show myself in the streets more 
than is necessary. At all events, I have resolved to run 
the risk. Here there are greater facilities than anywhere 
else for embarking for our destination. Besides, I was 
no longer safe even out of Amsterdam ; for I know that 
the Spanish Ambassador insists on my extradition, and 
that the States-General, who are otherwise so proud of 
their national privileges, will meet the wishes of their 
ally. I shall leave as soon as I am in possession of 
those fatal documents.” 

“ And must I remain here ? ” asked Amelia. 


128 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A, 


‘‘ Why not ? I have asked Heynz if he could pro- 
vide me with a lodging ; and as there is a little 
cabinet adjoining this room, where a bedstead may be 
placed, this can easily be arranged. For to-night I shall 
return to my hotel. As for those trinkets, you can put 
them aside; I shall see that they are returned.” 

I was now about to retire, but Mr. Bos asked me to 
accompany him, as he was going my way. We took 
leave of Amelia and left the house together. For some 
moments we walked side by side. Then Mr. Bos 
said — 

“ I owe you much gratitude, but I shall be still more 
thankful to you if, for the future, you will kindly cease 
your visits.” 

‘‘ Sir,” I replied coldly, ‘‘ although I pity your fate 
and your daughter’s, I desire nothing better than to hear 
no more of you; your affairs have already caused me 
enough anjioyance.” 

“ We understand each other perfectly then. How- 
ever, we part in friendship. I look upon you as a man 
of honour, and it is only because I know how dangerous 
it is for young people to see each other frequently, espe- 
cially in this mysterious fashion, that, as a parent, I feel 
some anxiety.” 

‘‘ Sir, I may tell you that my affections are placed 
elsewhere.” 

A silence now ensued, which was not disturbed until 
we approached the door of the hotel. He then laid his 
hand on my shoulder, and remarked, My young friend, 
hitherto my life has been a perpetual alternation of 
fortune and adversity, of power and humiliation, of wealth 
and misery ; but if ever I should again be in a position 
to do good to others, be assured that my gratitude to- 


129 


THE COUNT OF TALA FEE A. 

wards you will show itself by something more than empty 
words, and that I shall endeavour to make amends for 
the trouble which I have unwillingly given you.” 

With these words he left me, and I continued my way 
in no very pleasant mood, wishing that I had never be- 
come acquainted ,with Mr. Bos, Mr. Van Beveren, oi 
whatever might be his name, and yet 1 was anxious to 
know how it would all end with him and his amiable, 
daughter. What vexed me most of all, however, was 
the false position in which I had been placed. I felt 
almost certain that already my father harboured strange 
suspicions. 

I did not know hpw to get out of the dilemma, for, 
on the one hand, it was against my filial love to disguise 
the truth; and, on the other hand, my promise bound me 
to silence. 

I returned home late, and told my father that I had 
met at Helding's house one of my acquaintances named 
Velters, whom I had accompanied part of the way, and 
that this had delayed me. During the night the thought 
continually tortured me that I was compelled to keep 
a secret from my parents, in whom I had hitherto placed 
a loving and well-deserved confidence. At length I firmly 
resolved that, whatever might be the consequences, I 
would . endeavour and convince my father that, having 
once pledged my word, I could not break it, even to 
justify myself in his eyes. 

After dinner, the following day, when Heynz had just 
paid his customary visit, I walked into my father^s study. 
I purposely availed myself of this opportunity, as I wished 
to find out whether Mr. Bos had been discovered, for 
then I could confess everything, and perhaps render the 
latter some service. My father soon perceived from my 

5 I 


130 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A. 


demeanour that I had something on my mind, and, 
putting’ his papers aside, he asked me with more than 
his usual affability — 

“ Have you anything to say to me ? If so, I shall 
leave these things alone for a moment. I have not much 
time, however, for I expect a visitor.” 

“ I have but a few words to say, father,” I replied, 
“ although I should wish our interview to be more 
prolonged.” 

What do you mean ? That sounds somewhat vague 
and obscure.” 

‘‘ You have, no doubt, already observed that something 
weighs me down. At times I am very reserved and 
absent-minded, and if you had watched my movements, 
they would perhaps have excited your suspicions. Since 
my return to my native land I have met with some extra- 
ordinary adventures, and what pains me most is that I 
may not explain matters to you as I should wish.” 

“ I cannot judge why you bound yourself to secrecy,” 
said my father. ‘‘ I must call your attention to the 
danger of eiitering on such an obligation. There are 
few things which a child may not explain to his parents. 
Only when the secrets of a stranger are involved there 
may be an exception to this rule ; but any secret which 
does not concern you personally cannot, I imagine, have 
influenced you to such an extent as your manner has of 
late led me to presume.” 

‘‘ It is a secret of a stranger,” I answered, highly 
pleased that my father himself held out a reason for my 
silence ; “ but a secret in which, by a concourse of cir- 
cumstances, I have become involved.” 

“ And . . asked my father, after a moment’s reflec- 
tion, “ does this secret also concern a certain Black 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 131 

Peter? I ask you this as your father, not as the high 
bailiff/^ 

“ But very indirectly/’ I replied, inferring from this 
question that my father knew nothing as yet about the 
real state of affairs ; but allow me to ask you also some- 
ihing. Suppose Black Peter had saved my life, and I 
knew his hiding-place, would you consider it my duty to 
reveal it to the high bailiff? ” 

“You know where Black Peter is?” asked my father, 
with a start. 

“ No,” I answered, smiling, “ and I am under no obli- 
gation to him ; but I only offer it as an instance.” 

“ You know well enough,” said my father, “ that 
although gratitude is but an officium i)npe7'fectuin^ whilst 
assisting the cause of justice is an officium pe7‘fectu7ii^ the 
lesser duty would in this case have to yield to the greater, 
as gratitude has been ordained by a power higher than 
earthly legislation. However, if you have a secret which 
you may not confide to me, why did you speak to me 
about it? I now cannot help making conjectures.” 

“ Because the idea has become unbearable to me 
that you might accuse me of want of confidence in you; 
therefore I ask you not to judge me until the time 
comes when I shall be enabled to give you a full ex- 
planation of my conduct.” 

“ You have acted rightly. I would, indeed, be a bad 
judge if I condemned you without allowing you time 
for preparing your defence. Assure me only that your 
secret is not calculated to injure the interests of the 
State” 

“ The safety of the State is in so little danger,” I 
answered with a smile, “ that I am convinced that you 
yourself will justify my silence.” 


132 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A, 


At this moment a carriage stopped before our house, 
and then there was a fing at the bell. 

‘‘ Is it already so late?” remarked my father, looking 
at his watch. “ Well, now, you must go, for I expect a 
visitor ; or stay here, I shall go into the parlour. The 
gentleman whom I expect is an important personage, 
and must be received as such.” 

With these words he hurried to the parlour, but the 
visitor whom he expected had not arrived. As I after- 
wards learned, it was only a detective who had been 
standing on the quay, watching the arrival of the boat 
from Utrecht, in order to arrest Mr. Bos, who did not 
make his appearance. The detective, therefore, came to 
my father to report the miscarriage of the scheme,^ and the 
matter ended for the present with a scolding to Simon for 
having allowed himself to be duped. 


( 133 ) 


« 


XIV. 

The following morning I went to Heizicht with a beat- 
ing heart. I found there Harriet Blaek, and was asked 
by my aunt to account for my interview with Black Peter. 
I had prepared myself for this emergency, and managed 
to give her a satisfactory explanation of his visit without 
telling her the whole truth. After dinner, my aunt, 
Susannah, H^arriet, and myself drove to a farm of Mrs. 
Van Bempden, near Naarden, where we intended to 
spend the evening. On our arrival I was not a little 
surprised to observe that the woman who waited for us 
at the door was old Martha, and that it was in her cot- 
tage that I had been received by Mr. Bos. It now 
appeared to me plain enough why the old woman had 
looked at me so closely, and I felt surprised that I had 
not recognised her, as she had once been housekeeper 
at my late uncle’s. 

We all sat down in the garden, whilst Martha went 
inside the house to prepare some refreshments. On her 
return, my aunt asked her whether her son was at home. 

“ Madam,” replied the old woman with a sigh, “ my 
son has gone. I have not seen him for a week ; where 
he is. Heaven knows.” 

I was not ill-pleased at this news. I considered the 
presence of Andrew at the farm as highly dangerous 
both to the neighbourhood and to my aunt, and I deter- 


34 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


mined to inform her of the doings of that individual. 
I soon found arf opportunity of speaking to Martha 
alone. 

‘‘ Is it really true,” I asked her, ‘‘ that your son has 
disappeared ? ” 

As true as I live, sir,” she said, trembling violently. 

For Heaven’s sake, don’t ruin me !” 

I believe,” said I, that it will be advisable for him 
to stay away, for it is well known that he is one of Black 
Peter’s band; if he is caught he will not escape the 
gallows.” 

“ Oh, Mr. Huyck, you’ve no idea what I’ve had to 
suffer from that boy. He never would do any good ; 
but it really isn’t my fault: I’ve scolded him enough.”. 
Then, in a whisper, she continued, “ You’ve not told your 
aunt, sir, that you have slept here, or whom you saw ?” 

Not at all,” I replied ; “ but tell me, how do you 
know those people ? ” 

‘‘ How do I know them ? Have I not nursed the squire 
with my own milk, and when Captain Reefsail lived at 
Graveland, was it not at my house that he always came 
to see sweet Katy Reefsail ? But I must take the tea 
things outside,” and with this she turned away. 

I now went back to the ladies, whom I found seated 
at a table, under the shadow of an old oak. 

‘‘ Well,” said Susannah, ‘‘ where have you been to 
now? You are a nice cavalier to leave us alone, when 
every nook and corner is alive with thieves and high- 
waymen. But then your aid would give us but little 
benefit, as you belong to the fraternity.” 

“ I thought, Susan, we should have no further talk on 
that subject,” remarked my aunt. 

“ Do you observe,” I said to Harriet, ‘‘ how my sister 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 135 

ill-treats me? You, who* are so good, would surely not 
tease a brother if you had one ? 

“ How do you know that I am so good?” she replied, 
with a laugh. “ Just ask Louis j he will tell you whether 
I try his temper sometimes.” 

“ Yes,” said Susannah ; “ but there is no pleasure in 
teasing Louis, for he gets so cross ; and I must say to 
my brother’s credit that he takes it all in good part.” 

“ That is the best thing you have said of me for a long 
time,” I replied ; “ I must kiss you for that.” 

“ Get away ! ” said Susannah, pushing me back. “ Use 
your mouth, but not your hands.” 

“ Well, I want to use my mouth,” said I, kissing her. 

“ Harriet ! come to my aid,” said Susannah ; “ you 
are sitting there without troubling yourself about the 
fate of your ill-treated friend.” 

“ I shall take very good care not to interfere,” replied 
Harriet. 

‘•What is the matter, children?” asked my aunt, who 
had been talking to Martha ; “ if you go on so we shall 
never get our tea.” 

“ Ferdinand is teasing me,” said Susannah. 

“ One teases whom one loves,” remarked aunt. 

“ If that be true, ladies,” said I, looking at Harriet, 
“ the more you tease me, the more I shall like it.” 

We passed the time in pleasant chat, and afterwards I 
took a walk with my aunt, of whom I asked whether old 
Martha had not formerly been housekeeper at Heizicht. 

“Yes,” she replied, “until her husband died. She 
lived then in the village, and afterwards, when I bought 
the farm, I allowed her to live in the farmhouse.” 

The conversation having turned on the subject of the 
Blaek family, my aunt -remarked, “You are aware that 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


136 

Harriet has no means whatever ; she is entirely depen- 
dent on her uncle’s kindness . . . and she has good 
reason, too, to be g:rateful to him ; for he could not 
love her more tenderly, or treat her with more conside- 
ration, if she were his own daughter. I trust she will 
do as he wishes and marry her cousin. Why did you 
cough ? ” 

‘‘ Did I cough, aunt ? ” 

“Yes, you did. Would you think it so ridiculous if 
she married Louis, or if Louis married her?” 

“ What shall I say? I do not think that they are very 
much in love with each other, and at all events I know 
of some one with whom I would rather see her mated.” 

“And who may that gentleman be?” asked aunt, with 
a scrutinising glance at me. “ Not yourself, I hope? ” 

“ And what if it were myself, aunt ? ” 

“ Ferdinand, you terrify me. She is a nice girl enough, 
but what would your parents think of me if I wanted to 
arrange a match between you? As for your father, he 
would but half approve of it. No, I should give up this 
idea for the present, if I were you.” 

Here we were interrupted by Susannah, who called 
out to us — 

“ Come here and see what a beautiful view there is 
from this spot.” 

We hurried forward, and were soon standing beside 
the young ladies, admiring the charming landscape be- 
low. On the one side, as far as the eye could reach, the 
undulating valley spread before us like a velvety car- 
pet, whilst the foliage of occasional groups of oaks, 
tinted with the rich colouring of the autumn season, 
varied the monotony of the extensive meadow-lands. To 
the south-west appeared the towers of Naarden, a little 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A. 


^yj 


farther those of the towns of Weesp and Muiden, whilst 
Amsterdam was half-screened from sight by a curtain of 
grey mist ; to the east lay the pretty village of Huizen, 
and on the north the hill descended in a gentle slope 
until it reached the sea-shore. A number of vessels of 
all kinds and sizes were cruising in the distance ; a 
little nearer lay a few smacks, from which fishermen 
could plainly be seen casting their nets. Close to the- 
shore an elaborately gilt and newly painted pleasure 
yacht lay at anchor, its slender mast and snowy sails 
standing out in bold relief against the green water and 
the clear sky. 

‘‘ I really think it is Louis’ yacht,” said Harriet, after 
a short survey of the vessel. 

It seems a well-built vessel,” I remarked ; “ I sup- 
pose it sails along pretty fast.” 

“Yes,” answered Harriet; “at least so Louis says.” 

“ Have you never been on board of it yourself? Or 
don’t you like sailing?” 

“ Louis has never asked me to accompany him.” 

“ That’s very natural,” remarked Susannah; “gentle- 
men have too much pleasure amongst themselves to 
invite ladies.” 

“ It appears Mr. Blaek is on board himself,” I con- 
tinued ; “ at least there’s some one on deck.” 

“ Indeed he is,” said Harriet. “ There are two gentle- 
men with him. Do you see them? They are looking 
at us with their glass.” 

In another moment we could see three persons leap 
into a pinnace, and then with vigorous strokes come 
rowing towards us. They soon reached the shore, fastened 
their boat, and approached us with hasty steps. We now 
recognised Louis Blaek and his two friends, of whom one 


138 THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A, 

was a certain Mr. Reynhove, and the other a German 
mcrchantj called Weinstube. They had come to in- 
vite us to take a little trip on board the yacht. This 
was too friendly a proposal to be refused ; the young 
ladies especially were delighted, and we quickly agreed to 
accompany them and to make the most of the beautiful 
weather. 

As soon as we were on board the yacht, Louis weighed 
anchor and had all sails set, as he wished to avail him- 
self of a gentle southerly breeze, which moved us slowly 
against the tide. Louis, in a captain’s attire, and with 
a short pipe in his mouth, stood at the helm, and 
seemed to trouble himself but little about our presence. 
Reynhove, on the other hand, quickly fetched all the 
folding chairs from the cabin and placed them on deck 
for the ladies, whilst Jack, the mate, brought up a table, 
and Weinstube uncorked a couple of bottles and filled 
some glasses. 

Won’t you take a glass of wine. Miss Blaek?” asked 
the latter, with a strong German accent, addressing Har- 
riet, who sat gazing at the slowly receding coast. 

“ Pray accept a glass, madam,” said Reynhove to my 
aunt. “On board such an offer may not be refused; 
when one sees so much water all around, one may 
well take a glass of wine.^’ 

The conversation grew less formal. Susannah ap- 
peared to be determined to make Reynhove the butt of 
her witticisms, but he took them very good-humouredly 
— indeed it seemed to me that they rather amused him. 
Weinstube showered a torrent of insipid compliments on 
Harriet Blaek, whilst I tried in vain to get in a word. 

Meanwhile we had sailed some distance, and found 
ourselves very close to the village of Muiderberg, when 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, ' 139 

Harriet asked Louis Blaek a question, which, simple as 
it was, was the cause of a most unpleasant adventure. 

“ To whom does that handsome yacht belong behind 
us?” she asked. 

The deuce ! ” said Louis, to whom does she belong, 
Jack?” * ^ 

‘‘That is John Pergen’s new yacht,” replied the 
sailor ; “ he wants to get ahead of us, don't you see ? ” 

“ Ahead of us ! ” cried Louis. “ No, that he shall not ! 
, . . we'll give him a lesson.” 

“Mr. Blaek,” said I, “it is getting late, and the ladies 
would like to land. What does it concern you whether 
the yacht gets ahead of us or not? She is making sail for 
Amsterdam, whilst we must keep towards Naarden.” 

“ What does it concern me ? ” repeated Louis, turning 
the helm with all his might. “ Jack, my lad, look out. 
What does it concern me ? Well, if I were to steer to- 
wards the shore, he would think I was afraid of him.” 

“ Mr. Blaek,” said my aunt, somewhat perplexed, “ we 
should like to return ; you are too polite to refuse the 
request of ladies.” 

“ I should really be compromising my honour, madam, 
if I turned back now. Jack, tauten the foresail a little.” 

Here he looked behind him, with an expression of 
terror, as if he were pursued by a pirate. 

“ The lesson will only last ten minutes, madam, simply 
to show my superiority ; and then we shall sail back with 
all speed towards the farm.” 

“ Oh ! now we are going at a nice rate ; that is what I 
call sailing,” said Harriet and Susannah both together. 
They were rather pleased to see with what a speed Black’s 
vessel cut the waves, and did not mind returning home 
an hour later. 


140 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


As for myself I was not satisfied with Louis’ reply; 
for I knew that the more the wind was now in our 
favour, the more trouble we should have in sailing back ; 
and my uneasiness increased when I saw some ugly 
clouds appear on the horizon. 

“ Do you not see that there is a storm approaching ? ” 
I said to the sailor almost in a whisper, not wanting to 
alarm the ladies. 

“ We’ll h^e a good drenching,” answered Jack ; ‘‘but 
what are we to do? Master cannot allow Pergen’s yacht 
to get ahead of us.” 

“ Mr. Reynhove,” said I, approaching him, “ have 
you sufficient influence with Mr. Blaek to induce him to 
turn back?” 

But have you not heard yourself that the ladies are 
amused at the race ? ” 

“ ’Tis possible, but,” I whispered, “ there is a storm 
brewing; and we are sailing right to meet it.” 

“Do you think so?” he inquired, rather abashed; 
“ but we can easily find shelter somewhere. Meanwhile 
I shall ask him. I say, Blaek.” 

“ Out of the way,” cried Louis without listening to 
him. 

“ Look here,” said Reynhove peevishly, “ don’t you 
see that a storm is coming on ? ” 

But Louis merely kept his eyes fixed on the other 
vessel, which was rapidly gaining upon us. 

“ Really ! do you fear that we’ll have a storm, Mr. 
Reynhove?” asked my aunt with anxiety. “Pray, 

- Mr. Blaek, let us turn back.” 

But Louis made no reply. He stood, pale with anger, 
staring at the yacht, which was already at our side. Some of 
the young people on board waved their hats triumphantly. 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 141 

whilst the owner, who stood at the helm, raised a glass 
of wine to his lip^s and derisively drank our healths. 

Wait ! I’ll return the salute,^’ cried Louis in a 
great rage; and lifting up an empty wine bottle at his 
side, he threw it with all his might at the other vessel. 
The missile did not reach its destination, however, but 
fell halfway in the water, whilst a loud burst of laughter 
rose from the yacht. 

“ For shame, Louis,” said Harriet; ^‘you are not be- 
having like a gentleman ! ” 

‘‘ Oh, these people must not think that they have won 
yet,” said .Louis. “ Don’t you see that they are lowering 
sail? Jack, take care; we’ll yet get ahead of them.” 

“ They are lowering sail,” said I, ‘‘ and they are right, 
for they do not wish to be caught in a storm. It is 
unpardonable of you, Mr. Blaek, to risk the ladies get- 
ting drenched.” 

‘‘Nonsense. We shall turn back directly. Jack, hur- 
rah 1 We shall beat them yet. I tell you we shall beat 
them. There, what is he about now? He is taking in 
another sail. Hurrah ! We are ahead of him already. 
He acknowledges our superiority. Laugh at him, my 
friends ; it’s our turn now.” 

Little as' the visitors liked Louis, and alarmed as they 
were but a moment before, they now seemed highly 
pleased at his triumph, which they ascribed to his ability, 
while it was merely due to the prudence of the owner of 
the other yacht. I plainly perceived that the latter, 
satisfied at having given us a praof of his superiority, and 
with an eye to the coming tempest, took the necessary 
measures of precaution. I was confirmed in this suppo- 
sition by Jack declaring to me that if his master did not 
take care and lower all sails it would soon be too late. 


142 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A, 


‘‘ And why don’t you tell him so? ” said 1. 

‘‘Why, if I did I would surely lose my berth; you 
don’t know my master.” 

“Then I shall tell him. Mr. Blaek,” I began, “ I do 
not know whether you are. a meteorologist ; but I ask you 
once more whether you do not perceive that a storm is 
gathering. Do you wish to place the ladies in danger?” 

^ “ Danger !” they all cried, huirying towards us. 

“Come, come, what danger?” said Louis; “we shall 
simply turn, and before the storm comes on you will be 
back at the farm. Turn the helm, Jack.” 

But it was too late. The man endeavoured to veer, 
but the vessel refused to answer the helm. At the same 
time a dull rumbling sound was heard on the surface of 
the waters, the clear colour of the sea turned to an ashy 
grey, dark clouds appeared overhead, and in a moment 
a deluge of rain came showering down, whilst the wind, 
veering suddenly to the north, blew into the sails with 
such violence that the vessel turned on one side, and 
would certainly have capsized if the sheets had not 
given way. A cry of terror arose on all hands. Louis 
turned deadly pale, and an imprecation died on his lips. 

“ Great Heavens !” cried Weinstube ; “ put me ashore, 
put me ashore. I won’t stay on board* any longer.” 

“ It is nothing,” said I, endeavouring to pacify the 
ladies ; “ we have had the worst already. All hands will 
have to work now. Retire to the cabin, ladies.” Mean- 
while I assisted Jack in cutting away the last remnant of 
rope still clinging to the mast. 

The rain continued falling in torrents. The ladies, 
although they had taken shelter in the cabin, were even 
there not safe from the water, which streamed with great 
violence down the hatchway. Weinstube had also taken 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A, 


143 


flight below, and incessantly muttered to himself all the 
prayers he knew. Louis stood at the helm in despair, 
whilst Reynhove looked at me entreatingly, as if I could 
help him. 

“What is to be done now?” I inquired of Jack, in 
whose sagacity I had more confidence than in the boast- 
ful language of his master. 

“Well,” said he, looking about him, “we cannot get. 
to Muiden! The best way will be to seek some shelter 
on the opposite shore, and there lie at anchor until the 
weather clears.” 

To my relief, Louis agreed to this. We hoisted a 
foresail, and after a time we succeeded in reaching a 
good harbour, where we cast anchor, and were soon 
in comparative safety. 

I now, went downstairs to see how the ladies were 
getting on, and beheld a wretched spectacle. The table 
was knocked down, and the floor was strewn with broken 
glass and china. My aunt lay at full length on the 
ground, pale with sea-sickness, and her clothes saturated 
with water. Harriet sat by her side on a little stool, 
whilst Susannah was wiping the floor. 

As for the German, he had ceased praying as soon as 
we were at. anchor, and lay at full length on a couch 
with his face hidden in a heap of cushions. 

“ Where about are we?” asked Susannah. 

“ We are south of Durgendam, close to the dyke. Is 
aunt ill?” 

“ She is very poorly.” 

“What an unfortunate trip !” said Harriet; “are you 
not drenched, Mr. Huyck ? ” 

“As you see, Miss Blaek. In fact, I feel ashamed. to 
show myself -to you in such a state.” 


144 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A. 


‘‘ It is not the first time that Harriet saw you with a 
wet jacket,” remarked Susannah. 

Harriet smiled, but her smile was tinged with sadness. 

“ But, dear Ferdinand,” continued my sister, whose 
love of jesting never damped her affections, “ you will 
really fall ill if you do not change those wet clothes.” 

“What a misfortune !” said Reynhove, who now entered 
the cabin. 

“ Mr. Biaek’s excursions are really charming,” remarked 
Susannah ; “ ’tis a pity that they last so long.” 

With this she continued her scrubbing most indus- 
triously. 

“ What'are you doing. Miss Huyck?” asked Reynhove. 
“ Allow me to call the man, and he’ll soon set things a 
little straight here.” 

And off he went. 

“ He is polite, at all events,” observed Susannah, with 
a sidelong glance at Weinstube. 

“Yes, that’s true, sir,” said I, approaching the unman- 
nerly fellow, and tapping him on the shoulder : “ would 
you be kind enough to rise and give your seat to the 
ladies? ” 

Weinstube just lifted his head, and looked at me 
vacantly. 

“ Come, sir,” said I, “ there are ladies present ; 
surely you will be polite enough not to keep the sofa 
exclusively to yourself” 

“ Oh, dear, I am so ill,” he gasped, speaking with a 
German accent. 

“ That is very possible, but so are the ladies.” 

Without any further ceremony I took him with one 
hand by the collar, and with the other round the 
waist and dragged him from his seat I then took off 


rHE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


US 


my wet coat, turned up my sleeves, took my aunt in 
my arms and placed her on the sofa. The two girls sat 
down by her side, and endeavoured to render her position 
as comfortable as possible. As for Weinstube, he re- 
mained where I had laid him on the floor, more dead 
than alive. In a few moments Reynhove returned with 
Jack, who immediately set about putting the place some- 
what in order agaip. 

Where is Mr. Blaek ? ’’ I asked, rather surprised 
that Louis did not make his appearance. 

He is sitting down in the forecastle,” re])lied Reyn- 
hove, “smoking his pipe.” 

All at once we felt such a tremendous shock that Jack 
rushed out of the cabin — 

“ God help us ! the anchor is gone 1” he cried. 

Reynhove and I hurried after him. 

It was too true : our cable had parted, and we were 
drifting along at the mercy of wind and waves. 

On deck I encountered Louis, and never shall I forget 
the expression of his haggard eyes and wan features. 

“ That confounded yacht !” he cried ; “ we are lost ! ” 

And, without saying another word, he again took up 
his position at the helm, and stared vacantly at the 
surging waters. 

I felt a hand on my shoulder. Turning round, I per- 
ceived Susannah and Harriet, who, speechless with terror, 
looked at me with an anxious gaze. I pressed both 
their hands in mine, and then went to Jack, who stood 
talking to his master, and who did not appear to pay the 
least attention to what was said. 

“ Jack,” cried I, “ what is to be done ? ” 

“ Hoist the foresail, and keep away from shore a.s 
much as possible ! ” 

5 


K 


146 THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 

‘‘Well, do it then,” said I, “and meanwhile I will hold 
the helm.” 

It was too late, however ; the wind had already driven 
us too close to the coast. Scarcely had Jack hoisted the 
foresail when the vessel struck heavily aft. 

“ I believe we are grounded,” said I. 

“ Four feet,” said Jack, as he threw out the lead ; “ and 
we are pretty tight fixed too.^^ 

“ Mr. Blaek, shall we fire a signal-giin ? ” 

Louis made no reply, but put his hand in his pocket 
and appeared to search for something. At length he pro- 
duced a bunch of keys, and, with trembling fingers, com- 
menced to examine one after another. I saw that he 
would never manage to find the right one, so, snatching 
the whole bunch out of his hands, I told Jack to follow 
me, and asked him where his master kept his powder. 

Jack took me to the cabin. 

“ The powder is in the cupboard, under that seat,” 
he replied. 

“ Aunt,” said I, “ I am sorry I have to trouble you ; 
but I must get at that cupboard.” And at the same time 
I lifted her up, cushions and all, and unlocked it. 

“Oh!” cried Weinstube, “do bring me a glass of 
madeira and a biscuit. I am faint.” 

“ Yes, it’s just the right moment to supply you with 
madeira and biscuits,” I said angrily, as I took the 
ammunition from the cupboard. 

I returned on deck with Jack, and let Reynhove load 
the gun, as he was more used to it than I was. I then 
entreated the girls to return below, as they were only in 
the way on deck, and might be of assistance to my aunt. 
“I will set the example myself,” said I; “as my assist- 
ance is not required here.” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


147 


We returned to the cabin. ‘‘Aunt,” said I, “do not 
be alarmed ; there will be a gun fired directly: we have 
to signal that we are aground ! ” 

“ Heaven help us ! ” she cried, feebly lifting up her 
head, “ must we perish here?” 

“1 trust not,” I replied, endeavouring to look calm ; “we 
are on no unknown shore, or near an uninhabited country. 
There are always so many fishermen about, that it would 
be a marvel if we were not noticed.” 

“ Oh, dear ! ” sighed Weinstube, “ I shall never again 
go on board a vessel ! ” 

“ Come, Mr. Weinstube, be a man,” I said. “ If it 
were not for the discomfort of the ladies, I should not 
feel very uneasy myself ! ” 

“Do you really mean what you say, Mr. Huyck?” 
whispered Harriet, with an anxious glance ; “ is there 
really no danger ? ” 

I reddened, and cast my eyes to the ground as I 
pointed to my aunt. 

“ There is danger,” she continued, with tearful eyes; 
“ and you want to disguise it, for fear of alarming us ! 
But just consider, as the next moment can decide our 
fate, if it is justifiable to pretend to be calm? ” 

I felt ashamed and moved. “ Miss Blaek,” said I, tak- 
ing her hand, “ I acted for the best ; but whatever may 
happen, leave me at least the comfort that you are not 
dissatisfied with me.” 

She made no reply, but pressed my hand with emo- 
tion. Then, wiping her eyes, she turned away. 

At this moment the signal-gun was fired. 

“ Ladies,” said Reynhove, who entered the cabin 
directly afterwards, “ would you prefer sitting in the 
forecastle — not because it is so very pleasant, but 


148 THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 

there is a fire, and you would be much warmer than 
here?” 

Is there a fire ? ’’ asked my aunt, rising with an effort, 
“then I will certainly go there, for I am perishing of 
cold/' 

“ Yes," said Weinstube, “ I shall go too, for I* am 
very cold.” 

“ In this case, aunt,” I remarked, “ we must endea- 
vour to protect you from the rain on your going to the 
forecastle.” 

As I spoke I took the tablecloths and wrapped them 
round the ladies. Weinstube walked in front, probably 
intent on procuring the best place for himself. Reyn- 
hove and Susannah supported my aunt, and I followed 
with Harriet But we had scarcely arrived on deck 
when we were met by such a violent gust of wind that 
we had much trouble to keep on our feet At the same 
moment we observed that the vessel went on one side. 

“ If I could but save you ! " I whispered to Harriet, 
drawing her close to my side. 

“We are in God's hands,” said she, with an indescrib- 
ably enchanting expression; “and yet,” she added in a 
whisper, “it appears to me as if I had nothing to fear 
when you are with me.” 

At these words an unspeakable joy thrilled my bosom, 
even in the midst of our perilous position. However, 
there was no time to indulge in blissful meditations. I 
hastened to do all that lay in my power for our safety, 
and then, following the example set by the rest, clung 
firmly to the gangway. In speechless expectation we 
all stood still for a moment, staring at a tremendous 
wave which was coming down upon us, as though it 
would overwhelm us at one sweep. But the result was 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


149 


unexpected. The wave lifted the yacht off the sandbank 
as if it had been a cork. For some moments we were 
blinded by the rushing foaming sea-water ; and when, 
once more, we opened our eyes, we perceived a dyke 
right before us. 

‘‘’Tis all over,’’ cried a voice in our midst. 

Susannah tore herself away from my aunt, and clung 
to my neck. I pressed Harriet to my bosom. A fresh 
wave lifted us up. Again there was a moment when we 
saw nothing but water. Then we felt the vessel move 
about as if it were borne away by some soft substance, 
and all at once, after a shock which threw us all down 
on deck, it lay still. We heard the sea surging and 
foaming around us, but gradually the sound died away, 
and when once more we rose to our feet, thinking that 
our last moment was at hand, no water was to be seen. 
The yacht had been lifted over’ the dyke, and lay firmly 
embedded in the mud on the other side. 


( ISO.} 


XV. 

Who can fitly describe the various emotions which we 
experienced after so miraculous an escape ! During the 
first few moments we were struck by a sort of stupor, 
somewhat akin to the sensations produced upon persons 
who sleep in an unknown place, awake in utter bewil- 
derment, and vainly endeavour to solve the problem of 
their whereabouts. In our case it was even more per- 
plexing, for the eveiiing had advanced, the storm was 
still raging around us, and everything was wrapt in 
gloom and darkness. 

I was the first to break the silence ; and, looking 
about me in search of the ladies, whom I had lost sight 
of in the confusion of the moment, I exclaimed with 
rapture — 

“ Heaven be praised ! we are saved.’’ 

‘‘That was a narrow escape,” said Jack. “I’ve 
never been blown ashore in such a strange fashion 
.yet.” 

“Thank Heaven! what an unexpected delivery!” 
exclaimed Louis. 

But with this ejaculation he appeared to have ex- 
hausted his entire stock of gratitude ; for, as he walked 
up and down the deck, he muttered to himself — 

“A nice state of affairs ! how the deuce are we to get 
the yacht away from this wretched place?” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 1 5 i 

The three ladies were silent, and evidently wrapt in 
gratef».d meditations. 

As for Reyn hove, he was in ecstasy. He leaped and 
danced along the deck, shook hands with all of us, 
laughing and crying in turns, until his foot slipped on 
the wet boards, and he fell down at full length on his 
back. 

“’Tis nothing,’’ said he, scrambling up again, ‘‘all 
danger is past, and we are saved ; ” and once more he 
went round shaking hands with every one, and adding 
a few words of cordial, unaffected congratulation to 
each. 

“ Madam,” said Louis, who appeared at length to feel 
that he owed my aunt some apology, “this is really 
very unfortunate. I regret that you have had such an 
unpleasant trip.” 

“It appears,” said my aunt, rather vexed with Louis’ 
behaviour, “ it appears that Mr. Blaek is not accustomed 
to have ladies on board.” 

“ Well, madam,” continued Louis, somewhat abashed, 
“who could foresee such a terrific storm? Even if I 
had not tried to race the other yacht, we should not 
have escaped the tempest.” 

“Shiver my timbers!” said. Jack, whose seaman’s 
frankness could not bear this trumped-up excuse, “John 
Pergens was lying snug and warm in Muiden when the 
storm commenced, and we might have done the same.” 

“What are you jabbering there. Jack?” said Louis 
sternly ; “ don’t interfere in our conversation, or you’ll 
get your discharge this minute.” 

“ My discharge,” repeated Jack, walking away. “ Hem ! 
there won’t be much to earn on the yacht for a week or 
so, at any rate.” 


152 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


‘‘Well, Mr. Black,” said my aunt, “what is done 
cannot be undone, so we had better not give vent to 
reproaches.” 

“The more so,” remarked Harriet, “as Louis is suffi- 
ciently punished already ; he will not get his. yacht on the 
other side of the dyke as easily as it was carried here.” 

“No,” said Reynhove, “unless an earthquake comes 
to hoist it back again.” 

“Well!” grumbled Louis, “you may jest if you like. 
But how I am to get it away from this place, the deuce 
knows.” 

“ I think,” I remarked, “ we would do better to see 
how we can get away ourselves. Whereabout are 
we ? ” 

“ A good way east of Muiden, I believe,” said Louis. 
“We could not have struck on a more unlucky spot; 
we are half an hour from the nearest inhabited place, and 
it is getting so very dark that we cannot see which is the 
right road.” 

“'We cannot stay here,” I replied; “and I believe a 
walk would do the ladies some good and remedy the 
effects of cold and moisture.” 

“I will accompany the ladies with pleasure,” said 
Reynhove ; “ but allow me to observe that it is dry in 
the cabin, and that if the ladies walk out they will be 
drenched through.” 

“ Well,” said Harriet, “ I should prefer going away ; 
but if Mrs. Van Bempden disapproves of it . . 

Anything rather than stop on this horrible yacht,” 
replied my aunt. “ Come 1 let us go at once.” 

“ Are you coming too ? ” I asked Louis. 

“ I have always heard,” said he, “ that the captain 
should be the last to remain on board ; but if you land 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 153 

anywhere, for Heaven’s sake send some people to come 
and take care of the yacht.” 

“I would gladly assist you,” said I, “but I cannot 
leave the ladies.” 

“Yes, you are all going away!” remarked Louis. 
“Who is to go and fetch the men?” 

“ Well, send Weinstube to reconnoitre,” answered 
Reynhove. “By the by, where the deuce is he?” 

“Where is Weinstube?” we all exclaimed. 

“ Heaven forbid ! I hope that he has not fallen over- 
board,” said my aunt. 

Weinstube was sought for everywhere, but in vain ; he 
was not to be found. Some of us thought that he had 
been standing on the forecastle just before we were 
lifted over the dyke; and we could not help thinking 
that he had been thrown overboard, and had found his 
death in the waves. Coarse and troublesome as the 
man was, we still felt shocked at the idea of having lost 
a fellow-traveller by such an unfortunate occurrence. 
There was no help for it, however, and this incident only 
still further tended to induce the ladies to leave the 
scene of so much misfortune. Wishing to discover a 
suitable place for them to land, I slipped overboard, 
and began searching for a dry and convenient spot. 
But scarcely had I taken a few steps when I heard a 
faint voice close to me, groaning piteously. 

• “Who is there?” I cried, unable to distinguish any 
object in the darkness. “Jack! just bring a light. 
There is some one here moaning terribly.” 

“ The deuce there is ! ” cried Jack, who was not quite 
free from superstition. “ I hope it isn’t the ghost of that 
poor German.” 

“Never mind,” said I,*“ we must find out what it is,” 


154 the count of TALA VET A, 

Jack summoned up courage, and got out of the yacht 
with a lantern in his hand. We now heard the groans 
still plainer, and a faint voice murmured — 

“ Oh, good Heavens, help me ! I am dead !” 

“ It is Weinstube himself, and not his ghost,’’ said I, 
approaching the spot whence the sound came. And we 
soon discovered the hapless German, who was up to his 
neck in a ditch full of mud, quite near the vessel, and 
who would certainly have been suffocated had not speedy 
assistance arrived. How he got there was a mystery to 
us ; but as it was not to be expected that he would give 
an explanation in his present condition, we handed 
him an oar, and thus pulled him out of the ditch. He 
emerged in a very sad plight, and, when once more on 
land, stood trembling and shivering, incapable of uttering 
a word. We advised him to accompany us, if he felt 
strong enough, and wall^ himself warm, as there were no 
means aboard to provide him with a change of clothes. 

The ladder was now placed alongside the vessel, and 
the ladies got on shore. We left Louis by himself, 
without heeding his complaints, and commenced our 
expedition, headed by Jack, who had a lantern in one 
hand and an oar in the other, for the purpose of feeling 
his way over the ground. Then followed Harriet and 
Susannah, then myself with my aunt, then Reynhove 
carrying another lantern, while Weinstube brought up 
the rear. 

It was neither an easy nor a pleasant task to plod 
along through the mud in this fashion, although the 
wind had considerably abated in violence, and we were 
somewhat shielded by the dyke ; but it was pitch dark, 
and the ground and our clothes were getting saturated 
by a cold drizzling rain. 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 155 

We had trudged on for about a quarter of an hour 
when I observed that my aunt was getting utterly ex- 
hausted, and became less and less capable of continuing 
her walk. I felt her lean more and more heavily on my 
arm, for she was worn out with fatigue and agitation, 
and walked on mechanically. At length she stood quite 
still, and complained that she had lost a shoe. 

“Stop!” I cried, “aunt has lost her shoe. Really 
the road is too bad. Is there no house in the neigh- 
bourhood ? ” 

“ Have only a little patience,” said Jack. “ I see a 
light lower down the road.” 

“Is it very far?” asked my aunt. “I really cannot 
walk any farther, and I will rather await your return here 
by the side of the dyke.” 

“No, I will never permit that,” said I; “but if Mr. 
Reynhove will hand me his walking-stick, I think I shall 
be able to assist you.” 

Reynhove was ready at once, and gave his lantern 
to Weinstube. We took hold of the cane, and asked- 
my aunt to sit down on it, and to put her arms round 
our necks. By means of this improvised but not very 
comfortable litter, we carried her along, not without 
frequent stumbling and halting on the road. It was a 
miracle to me that we did not break down with our 
burden on the narrow path, where we were continually 
slipping and sliding about, and sinking to our ankles in 
the mud. I confess that I was highly pleased when at 
length we approached a rustic gate leading to a farm- 
house, and heard the barking of dogs. 

We all halted, and Jack began to cry with all his 
might — 

“ Halloa ! halloa ! open the door ! ” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


156 

We received no other answer than a terrific howling 
and barking. Then all of us began to shout as loudly 
as we could, whilst the dogs barked still more fiercely, 
as though in emulation of the noise we made, and 
an uproar ensued that might have been heard a mile 
off. 

At length a door was opened, and we saw a light 
glimmer in the distance. We were all silent, inspired by 
a supreme feeling of hopefulness and expectation. 

“ What do you want? ’’ asked a voice. 

‘‘ Shelter,” cried one. 

‘‘ Can we come in ? ” asked another, 

‘‘ I say, my lad,” shouted a third. 

‘‘ We are friends ! ” all cried out together. 

The individual who stood at the door made no 
movement, and appeared to be unable to make up his 
mind. 

My friend,” cried I, you can earn a good deal of 
money if you will assist us.” 

These words made an evident impression ; the man 
came forward, and although we again lost sight of him 
in the dark, we guessed from the creaking of his boots 
that he was approaching. But when he was about half- 
way to the gate, we observed, to our dismay, that he 
suddenly turned round with a cry of terror, and rushed 
back into the house, slamming the door behind him. 

‘‘The deuce take him,” said Jack; “we must get in, 
anyhow.” 

“ Cannot the gate be forced open ? ” asked Reynhove. 

We examined the gate, but it was too solid a struc- 
ture. On closer inspection, however, it appeared that 
there was a chance of climbing it, and I proposed to do 
so with Jack. 


THE COUNT OF T^LAVERA. 157 

For Heaven’s sake, don’t, Ferdinand ! ” said my 
aunt ; “ the dogs may attack you.” 

“ No fear, aunt. If we were in Friesland, where the 
dogs always run all over the farm, I should not care 
to try it, but here they are generally chained to their 
kennel.” 

Without delay I clambered over the gate, followed by 
Jack, and we were soon on the other side. Once there, 
we made for the house ; but scarcely had we gone a few 
steps when it appeared that this violation of domicile 
had been perceived from within, for a window was 
pushed open and a head appeared. 

“ If you don’t go away at once,” cried a voice, “ I will 
fire.” 

But listen for a moment, will you ? ” I shouted. 
“ We are no thieves ; we are . . 

I was very unpleasantly interrupted by the firing of 
a gun. Fortunately the shot did not touch any of us, 
but nevertheless it greatly alarmed the ladies, who com- 
menced to shriek with terror. However, I determined to 
make another attempt, and hidden behind a tree, where 
I hoped to be out of range, I once more shouted — 

“ Mind what you are about, my man. It is Mrs. Van 
Bempden, of Heizicht, who is outside the gate, and I am 
Huyck of Amsterdam.” 

“ What do you say ? ” replied a voice from the win- 
dow. “ Mrs. Van Bempden ! Do you mean that ? ” 

“ Don’t you know me, Roggefeld ? ” I cried, for I now 
recognised the voice, which at first appeared familiar to 
me. “ I am really Huyck ; Mrs. Van Bempden is out- 
side.” 

“ Well, did you ever ! ” the farmer cried. “ Excise 
my rudeness ; I’ll be with you in a minute.” 


158 


THE COUNT OF TA LAVER A. 


Meanwhile I shouted to the others that help was com- 
ing. After a few moments the door was again opened, 
.and Roggefeld made his appearance, while his wife and 
a couple of servants stood gaping at the door. 

Well, did you ever ! ’’ repeated Roggefeld, approach- 
ing us. “ I have not hurt ye, eh ? It was only loose 
powder ; but I made sure there were thieves.” 

“ Your servant might have learned otherwise,” said I, 
“if he had not run away.” 

“ Yes ; Tom thought you were ghosts ; you do look 
rather funny.” 

I could not blame the man ; for from the distance 
where. they stood outside the gates, the ladies, wrapt in 
white tablecloths, presented a tolerably comical picture, 
which, heightened by the faint light of the lantern, pro- 
duced a somewhat weird effect and justified Tom^s 
terror. 

The gate was now unlocked ; we entered the house and 
briefly related our adventures to Roggefeld. 

“ Now, I ask you,” said his wife, as she kindled a good 
fire, “ what those rich folks go to sea for, when they can 
sit snug and warm at home ? ” 

Meanwhile we laid our heads together to devise what 
was next to be done. I proposed that if Roggefeld 
could provide the necessary accommodation, the ladies 
should retire to bed at once, while the gentlemen should 
pass the night by the fire. 

This was agreed upon, and we were soon sitting down 
by the fireside, while Reynhove prepared some very 
palatable hot grog. 

“Now you have not yet told us, Weinstube,” said 
Reynhove, “ how you managed to fall into that ditch.” 

“ What can 1 say ? ” said Weinstube. “ I was 


• THE COUNT OF TALA VEI^ A, 159 

standing on the forecastle when we went over the dyke, 
so I thought we were going to the deuce. I was 
knocked down, and I held fast to a rope ; but it began 
to swing and twist about. I fell overboard, and I really 
thought I was drowned. But no, there was the grass. 
I got up and said to myself that confounded ship will 
fall upon me, so I ran off, until I sank up to my ears in 
mud, and there I lay sprawling and shouting, but no one 
heard me.^’ 

“ I confess,*’ observed Reynhove, ‘‘ that your position 
was far from enjoyable ; but now take my advice, Wein- 
stiibe, and tell no one of your adventure. It is really a 
little too humiliating to come to grief in a filthy ditch, 
when one has had such a fine chance of drowning in the 
open sea,’* 

After we had an hour’s rest it was arranged that I 
should drive to Heizicht, where I naturally supposed that 
all would be in great alarm at the absence of my aunt 
and the young ladies, whilst Reynhove agreed to go to 
Amsterdam and reassure my family. 

Rogge feld’s cart was soon “ready, and we rumbled 
away to Muiden, where we awoke half the village. I 
sent some men to Louis to guard the wrecked vessel, and 
despatched a man on horseback to old Martha’s farm. 

I took a carriage and rode to Heizicht, where I told 
the servants our misadventure, and then communicated 
it also in a brief note to Mr. Blaek. After I had retired 
to rest the incidents of the evening kept my mind occu- 
pied, and at first the picture of the raging sea and the 
tossing vessel, brightened with the cherished image of 
Harriet Blaek, was continually before me, but at last 
fatigue triumphed over the fancies of my imagination, 
and I fell into a deep slumber, from which 1 did not 


i6o THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. • 

awake until the servant roused me. I rose, dressed 
myself with all possible speed, and found my aunt’s maid 
ready to accompany me with half-a-dozen boxes. We 
immediately entered the carriage and drove back to 
Roggefeld’s farm, whence the ladies, after a hasty toilet, 
returned with us. They were as well as circumstances 
would permit, only my aunt complained of a headache, 
and as soon as she arrived at Heizicht she retired to 
rest, while the young ladies and myself enjoyed a hearty 
breakfast. 


( ; 


XVI. 

After our meal Susannah, Harriet, and myself remained 
for a little while talking about our late adventure until my 
aunt’s maid entered the room with a message to my sister, 
which necessitated her leaving us for a few moments. 

I was now left alone with Harriet, and I thought it a 
good opportunity to speak to her. 

As it frequently happens in affairs of love, we remained 
for some considerable time in silence. I was determined 
to give expression to my feelings, but was at a loss how 
to commence the attack. As for Harriet, she was evi- 
dently imbued with that delicate perceptive faculty with 
which all women are gifted, and divined my thoughts, 
no doubt, as she worked on in silence, with her eyes bent 
on her embroidery, although her changing colour and 
heaving bosom betrayed her inward agitation. 

I wanted to disclose to her my heart’s secret, but did 
not know how ; for I could not very well begin abruptly, 
“ I love you !” 

At length, when the silence had for some time remained 
unbroken, and fearing lest Susannah should return soon, 
I resumed the conversation from the point where we had 
left off. 

“ We were just now speaking about accidents by land 
and sea. It is a solacing thought to me that I neither 
keep a carriage nor a yacht, and therefore am not so 
s L 


1 62 THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 

much in danger of meeting with such misadven- 
tures.” 

My insignificant remark elicited no reply, but I saw 
the red blood mantling on her cheeks. 

‘‘ Neither do I think that I shall ever possess a yacht 
or a carriage,” I continued. 

She still made no answer. 

I believe one can be just as happy without either.” 

The same silence, but I saw her Iktle fingers begin- 
ning to tremble. 

‘‘And you. Miss Blaek, do you also think ... I mean, 
could you be happy . . . without a carriage . . . without all 
those luxuries to which you are now ... so accustomed 
at your uncle’s house ? ” 

This was a direct question, and required an answer. 

“ I do not know; that depends.” 

Pardon me,” said I, “ perhaps my question was 
impolite. But,” I continued, rising and taking up a 
position at her side, “ I only ask this because, if you 
were so much attached to those comforts which wealth 
alone can furnish, I would hesitate to say that which 
. . .” Here I felt myself for a few moments utterly at 
a loss to proceed. Her eyes were still bent on her work, 
and her colour came and went by turns. 

“ Yesterday,” I resumed, “ when we were in mortal 
peril, you addressed some words to me which I shall 
never forget — words which even at this moment resound 
in my ears like heavenly music. I should not venture to 
draw any conclusion from what perhaps arose from a 
momentary emotion and from the agitated state in which 
you were then placed. But now, in a calmer moment, 
will you permit me to put a favourable construction on 
those words ? ” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


163 

Harriet lifted up her eyes and looked at me with an 
enchanting glance, then, casting them down again, she 
replied — 

“ I venture to say that I was quite calm at the time, 
and that I showed . no traces of agitation ; therefore 
what I have said then . , A 

You will say now ? ” I asked warmly, taking her 
hand. 

She rested her head on my arm, soon raised it again, 
and remarked with a mournful, deprecating look — 

“ Come, I am very foolish. Pardon me, Mr. Huyck, 
we better not touch upon this subject again . . . and I 
even think that we should do well to break off our ac- 
quaintance.” 

“What!” I exclaimed, surprised and disappointed; 
“you inspire me with the sweetest hopes, and in one 
breath you crush them.” 

“ I feel that I have done wrong,” she replied ; “ but I 
believe you will be generous enough not to take advan- 
tage of a moment of weakness. Your words took me 
by surprise, . . . and I should not have answered them 
so thoughtlessly. You see,” she continued, “ I have not 
known you long enough to feel certain that the feeling of 
. . . preference which I cherish towards you is quite 
justifiable.” 

“ If that be the case, 1 shall live in hopes for the 
future,” I said. 

“You are right, sir,” she resumed, wdth an expression 
of sadness on her features, which told me that she had 
not given me the true reason of her reserve; “and 
yet . . 

“Well, what else can there be? 1 entreat you to tell 


me.' 


1 64 THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 

“ I am dependent on ray uncle,” she said, with down- 
cast eyes, “ and I doubt whether he . . 

“What!” I remarked, “could he have any objection 
to me or to my family? Or could my want of fortune 
be an obstacle in my way ? It is true that I am not 
rich ; but I am at present partner in a flourishing firm, 
and I hope soon to be able to support a wife, if not luxu- 
riously, at least with comfort.” 

“ My uncle will never sanction my engagement,” she 
replied; “and even when I shall be of age, and my own 
mistress, I would not do anything to displease him. I 
owe him everything, and I must honour him even more 
than a father, for he has protected and cherished me 
more than his own child.” 

“ Only grant me your permission,” said I, “ and my 
father will speak with Mr. Blaek ; that is all I desire.” 

“Listen,” said she; “I will be frank with you and 
tell you all. My uncle has firmly resolved that Louis 
shall marry me. As yet father and son are not agreed, 
otherwise I should really not know what to do. As 
long, therefore, as Louis remains unmarried, my uncle 
will not resign his hopes, and so it is useless to ask him 
for my hand.” 

“ And so I must wait until it pleases Mr. Louis Blaek 
to make up his mind ? I should imagine that your uncle, 
seeing that neither of you shows much inclination to meet 
his wishes, will not be foolish enough to retain his ideas.” 

“ I fear that you will not succeed,” said Harriet ; 
“ but you may try if you like,” she added, with a charm- 
ing smile. 

“ Oh, thank you for this permission,” said I, putting 
her hand to my lips, with rapture; “whatever may hap- 
pen, we shall one day be united.” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 165 

At this moment the door opened. We moved away 
from each other, and to our dismay we saw Mr. Blaek 
and his son enter the room. The old gentleman did 
not appear to observe our confusion, at least he showed 
no signs of it, but he immediately approached his niece, 
embraced her affectionately, and inquired after her 
health. 

“Uncle,” she answered, “I am as well as if nothing 
had happened.” 

“ I don’t know, cousin,” said Louis, who had mean- 
w^hile looked at us with a penetrating glance, “ but really 
I do think that you look a little out of spirits. Let me 
see,” he continued, taking her hand ; “ you are actually 
trembling.” 

“ In any case,” I remarked, “ it would be no marvel 
if Miss Blaek still suffered from the consequences of our 
fatal evening’s amusement.” 

“ Hillo, Huyck,” said Louis, as if he only just saw 
me, “how are you.!^ Yes, it was an unfortunate affair. 
But who the deuce could* help it? I am the greatest 
sufferer. And how did that muff Weinstube get 
on?” 

“ Your servant, sir,” said old Mr. Blaek, with a bow ; 
“ we came to inquire about the health of the ladies. 
At the same time I must thank you for your attention in 
giving me such speedy information. 

In the midst of our conversation Susannah returned, 
and my aunt, who had now somewhat recovered from 
the effects of the adventure of the previous evening, 
soon followed her. Shortly afterwards a carriage drew 
up in front of the villa, from which my parents alighted, 
w^ho had been informed by Reynhove of what had 
happened. The chief topic of the conversation was, 


i66 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


of course, the incidents of the previous night, but my 
love scene with Harriet still haunted my mind and pre- 
vented me from paying proper attention to it. 

I had intended to leave for Amsterdam early the 
following morning, together with my sister ; but as 
there was plenty of room in my parents’ carriage, it was 
agreed that Susannah and I should return with them, 
immediately after dinner. I was somewhat disappointed 
at this unexpected change in my programme, for I had 
anticipated a pleasant evening in Harriet’s company. On 
leaving, a regretful glance which I cast on her, and a 
tender pressure of the hand, to some extent expressed 
the grief which this parting occasioned me, and I thought 
I observed a tear glistening in her eye. 

On the road homeward I was very quiet and taciturn, 
so much so that Susannah laughed at me ; but I had two 
sound excuses at hand — namely, sleep and fatigue — and 
so I obtained permission to settle down in my corner 
and indulge in a nap, from which I did not awake 
until I heard the carriage rattling over the stones of 
Amsterdam. 

The following day, being seated in the usual place in 
our office, I was unable to do my work, as the image of 
Harriet Blaek appeared constantly before me. In spite 
of all the trouble which I took to concentrate my atten- 
tion on my work, the letters, the books, and the papers 
on my desk appeared continually to shift from their places, 
as if they were struck by a magic wand, and everywhere 
iny eyes fell upon the name of my lady-love. 

The same evening, after dinner, I told my parents that 
I loved Harriet Blaek. I expected that my father would 
have made some objections to the match, and I was 
right. He dwelt strongly on my indiscretion in arriving 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 167 

at such rash conclusions with regard to a girl with wlioni 
my acquaintance was as yet of such a short duration, as 
well as on my unsettled position in life. Ultimately, 
however, after telling him of the conversation which I 
had had with Miss Blaek, he promised that he would go 
next morning and see her uncle. 

“ Well, I only hope, papa,” said Susannah, who was 
present, “ that you will not forget to enumerate all Fer- 
dinand’s good qualities, in order to convince Mr. Blaek 
that he could not give his niece to a man more worthy 
of her.” 

“You had better make a list of them,” replied my 
father, “ otherwise I might forget some.” 

“ In the first place,” continued my sister, “ you ought 
to praise the extraordinary sagacity which Ferdinand has 
shown in discovering all the excellent qualities with 
which Harriet Blaek is endowed, in the four or five days 
which he has spent in her company.” 

“You'd better leave that chord untouched,” said my 
mother. “ I fear Mr. Blaek will himself observe that this 
love has budded rather prematurely.” 

“Secondly,” resumed Susannah, “you should eulogise 
Ferdinand's self-confidence, which, although he possesses 
nothing, has inspired him with sufficient assurance to 
ask for the hand of a girl who has no more worldly goods 
than he has himself, in the firm conviction that he will 
soon make his fortune.” 

“Come,” said my mother, “you are exaggerating 
again. Although Ferdinand does not possess much at 
present, he is not entirely without prospects ; and I 
flatter myself that my sisters-in-law will do their best to 
enable him to begin housekeeping.” 

“ Of course,” said Susannah, “ what would one not 


i68 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


do for such a nice little nephew? Well, I’ll just see if 
they will open their cashboxes for him ; for if so, they 
will do the same for me, and then I shall know, in case 
I am one day asked in marriage, on what I may reckon. 
But I must not wander from my subject. Then, papa, you 
must dwell upon Ferdinand^s eloquence, by which, in the 
twinkling of an eye, he has won the heart of an innocent 
maiden, so that he may say, with Csesar, ‘ I came, saw, 
and conquered.^” 

“ I don’t know,” said my father, “ that it speaks much 
for the common sense of the lady to say so quickly 
‘yes’ to that young fellow’s question.” 

“ Well, papa, remarked Susannah, “ you must not 
judge Harriet too severely. She has not a very great 
dowry; and as that lout of a cousin will not* have her, 
she does no great harm in jumping at a chance. Alas ! 
I know from experience that the nicest, prettiest, wittiest 
girls, with no money, sit waiting in vain for somebody to 
turn up, and ask continually, like the late and lamented 
Mrs. Bluebeard, ‘ Sister Anna, sister Anna, do you see 
nothing coming ? ’ ” 

“ Indeed, Susan,” said I, “ I did not know that you 
were in such a hurry to get married.” 

“ Ah ! you were in hopes that I should die an old 
maid, and you were already thinking of your children’s 
inheritance. No, my dear boy, you can remove that idea 
from your mind. It would not take the little ones very 
long to count Aunt Susan’s money.” 

The arrival of my younger brothers and sisters, who 
had just returned from their drawing-class, interrupted 
the conversation, and the subject was abandoned for the 
evening. 

It may be imagined that I had little peace of mind 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A, 169 

on the following day. It was with mingled feelings of 
gratitude and pain that I left the office in the evening 
and returned home. I found my mother and sister in 
anxious expectation of my father’s return from his inter- 
view with Mr. Blaek. 

More than half an hour passed before we heard the 
well-known knock. My heart throbbed violently on his 
entering the room ; but when I looked at him, his 
features were so stern in their expression, that the 
question, “ Well, how did it end ? ” died on my lips. 

My father took his seat in silence. 

“ I see,” said I, “ that the offer has not been favourably 
received.” 

‘‘ This is the whole sum and substance of Mr. Black’s 
reply. He received me very kindly, and declared that a 
connection with our family would give him great pleasure. 
But he thought that there still rested a heavier respon- 
sibility on him, because Harriet was his niece than if 
she were his daughter. As long as she was a minor he 
could not, as her guardian, sanction a marriage with 
a gentleman without means ; she was still too young and 
inexperienced to judge for herself ; he did not know you 
sufficiently — and he would therefore beg of you to desist 
from any further endeavours to see or speak with his 
niece until she should be of age.” 

“What! may I not even keep up her acquaintance ? 
That is a little too hard and unreasonable.” 

“ Do not condemn Mr. Blaek,” said my father ; “ I 
cannot blame him ; he is responsible for the happiness of 
his niece, and he must watch over her welfare. You have 
already seen her privately, you have declared your love 
and received her answer; and now that he knows the state 
of affairs he may not permit a renewal of such attempts.” 


170 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


“ I suppose he means to keep her for his dear Louis,” 
observed Susannah ; but if she accepts him, I will never 
see her again.” 

Come,” said my father, “ perhaps it is better as it 
is ; you will now have an opportunity to test your 
feelings, and discover whether it is really a sincere and 
permanent love which inspires you. I confess that it is 
a disappointment for you ; but it is useful and salutary 
for weak mortals to suffer such trials, and learn to bear 
them with courage and fortitude.” 

I was silent. I acknowledged the truth and sound 
sense of my father’s words, but still, at the moment, they 
were far from soothing to my feelings. I sat down dis- 
concerted ; none of its were in very high spirits, and the 
evening would hp,ve passed gloomily enough had not an 
unexpected visit given a new channel to our thoughts. 
The visitor was none else than Reynhove, who, with his 
usual politeness, came to inquire after the health of my 
sister, as he feared that her recent accident on the water 
might have produced unpleasant consequences. 

His sprightly cheerful deportment soon exerted a 
refreshing influence on our melancholy mood, and ani- 
mated the flow of conversation. I noticed, however, with 
some surprise, that my sister was unusually demure and 
reserved during Reynhove’s visit. 

After his departure I asked her what she thought of 
our new acquaintance. 

“Oh! I like him very well,” she replied; “you 
know how fond I am of butterflies, goldfinches, hum- 
ming-birds, and peacocks, and of all that is bright and 
graceful.” 

“ That is no direct reply to my question,” said I. 
“According to father’s opinion, Mr. Reynhove should 


THE COUNT OF 'TALA VERA. 171 

not be classed with those dandies whose only merit lies 
in their handsome coat.” 

“ Certainly not,” she resumed ; for, besides that, he 
w^ears an exceedingly neat wig and spotless linen, and a 
splendid diamond adorns his scarf.” 

“Susan, Susan,” said I, “speak the truth, for I am 
very much mistaken if Mr. Reyn hove is not smitten by 
you; so, if you know anything against him, you had 
better say so at once.” 

‘‘ Susan is quite right,” said my mother ; ** a young 
girl .should never gossip about gentlemen ; she might 
regret it afterwards.” 

We gradually reverted to that sombre mood from 
which Reynhove’s visit had temporarily roused us. Even 
my sister, at other times so bright and good-tempered, 
made no attempt to enliven the conversation, and sat 
wrapt in thought. At length, my mother asked Aunt 
Lina whether she had seen anything more of the young 
lady who lived in Heynz’s house. • 

“Yes,” answered my aunt. “Did not Ferdinand tell 
you that he met her at my house ? ” 

All looked at me, and my father very searchingly. I 
felt that I had done wrong in not mentioning this 
accidental meeting, as now it only appeared as if I had 
kept silent on purpose. 

“ I had quite forgotten it,” said I. “ Besides, I did not 
think that any one would take an interest in such a 
trifling occurrence.” 

“ But,” continued my aunt, “ that young lady takes a 
great interest in you; she has visited me twice since you 
saw her, and each time she has inquired after you. A dear 
girl she is ; but what a pity that she is a Roman Catholic ! 
I had a visit from her father to-day, who thanked 


172 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


me for the kindness which I had shown to his daughter. 
A polite man, that Mr. Van Beveren.” 

“ Van Beveren/^ repeated my father, who had listened 
very attentively. ‘‘Where does the gentleman come 
from ? ” 

“ From Deventer,'’ replied my aunt. 

“From Deventer, indeed!” said my father; “and 
did that Mr. Van Beveren ask you to lend him any 
money ? ” 

“ No, brother. And he did not look like one in want 
of money. He was well dressed, and altogether had the 
appearance of a fashionable man.” 

“I need not tell you, sister,” remarked my father, 
“ that the devil himself sometimes goes disguised as an 
angel of light in order to attain his object. I should 
advise you to be a little careful.” 

“Why, brother, do you know anything against these 
people ? ” aunt asked, with some uneasiness. 

“ I know nothing against them* but there seems some- 
thing strange about them.” 

“You don’t imagine,” said my mother, “that Heynz 
would harbour suspected persons ? ” 

“That would be rather comical, certainly. But, 
sister, did the young lady inquire so affectionately about 
Ferdinand? ” 

“O father,” said I, wishing to remove all suspicion, 
“ I believe aunt is exaggerating a little. She and myself 
are, perhaps, Amelia's only acquaintances, and she has 
no one else to talk about.” 

“Ah! is her name Amelia?” asked my father. 
“ You appear to be pretty familiar with her to call her 
by her Christian name.” 

I saw Susannah turning pale, and I felt that I blushed 


THE COUNT OF TALA VET A, 173 

myself. My sister, wishing to help me out of my confu- 
sion, remarked, with an affected laugh — 

“ I suppose she is a princess, travelling incognito ; and 
princesses are always called by their Christian names.” 

“ At any rate,” said I, taking courage, “ I know her 
Christian name better than her surname ; for the rest, 
our acquaintance is very slight, and I have no desire to 
renew it, amiable as she may be.” 

My father looked at me, shook his head, took a pinch 
of snuff, and retired to his study: so that, to my great 
satisfaction, the conversation about Amelia and her 
parent dropped for the moment. 


( 174 ) 


XVII. 

The following Saturday, feeling very sad at heart, with 
my mind still occupied with the all-engrossing idea about 
Harriet Blaek, which had received so heavy a blow, I 
resolved to go out for an hour or two, and endeavour to 
turn my thoughts into another channel. I left home 
therefore in the afternoon, and walked towards the 
Haarlem gate, where I kne.w a race was being held 
that day. 

On arriving on the ground, I found that the sports 
were already over, and was told that my friend 
Reynhove was the owner of the winning horse. I 
walked on, and came upon the yard of a roadside 
inn ; and whilst thinking whether I should enter and 
take some refreshment, I was suddenly seized from be- 
hind, and dragged inside by a strong pair of arms. I 
turned round and beheld Reynhove himself, who, it 
appeared, had seen me from inside the inn, and led me 
to a large summer-house standing in a neat little garden. 
There was assembled a jovial company, comprising some 
high military functionaries from The Hague, Louis 
Blaek, Weinstube, and the bard, Lucas Helding, whose 
venerable appearance and threadbare clothes seemed 
strangely out of place among these youthful patricians. 
I was introduced to those of the guests who were un- 
known to me by Reynhove, who was evidently the hero 


TIiE COUNT OF TALAVEFA, 175 

of the feast, and my health was drunk in a brimming cup 
of Burgundy. 

The conversation was not at all confined to the topic 
of the day — the race ; it soon assumed that flippant, 
ribald character so conspicuous in festive assemblies, 
especially when the youthful guests have worshipped 
with rather too much devotion at the shrine of Bacchus. 
Louis Black took occasion to refer to his amiable cousin, 
and this he did in so rude and ungentlemanly a fashion 
that my blood boiled with indignation ; so I hastily 
rose from my seat, and told him that it was very wrong 
to speak of Miss Blaek in such a manner, and that I 
would not allow her to be insulted in my presence. 

‘‘ I did not insult her,” replied Louis ; “ but because 
you have been alone with her once or twice, and she has 
perhaps played the prude, you think she is like that with 
every one? Go along, I know all about it.” 

“I am uncertain,” said I, ‘‘whether to term your 
language slander or child’s prattle.” 

“ What ! ” cried Louis, starting ‘from his chair. “ Do 
you know what you are saying ? 

“ Not only do I know it, but I am ready to repeat it, 
and I will not hear another word in disparagement of 
your cousin.” 

“Who the deuce asked you to be her champ’on? 
But never mind ; we shall see each other again, Mr. 
Huyck.” 

“ Don’t be foolish, Blaek,” interposed Reynhove ; “ our 
friend Huyck is quite right. You have spoken in an 
unpardonable manner about your cousin, and you would 
act m.uch better by not mentioning her name again, 
and by settling the quarrel in drinking a glass of wine 
together.” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


1 76 

“Mr. Reynhove is perfectly right,” said another of the 
guests ; “ you cannot fight with one who takes up the 
cudgels in behalf of your own cousin.” 

“Yes, that’s true,” remarked Weinstube ; “let us talk 
no more about it, and drink a glass together.” 

“ With pleasure,” said Louis; “if Huyck will only ask 
pardon for the improper language which he has used 
towards me.” 

“I believe,” I replied, “that I have been mode- 
rate enough in my expressions, and I cannot ask 
pardon for them. But I had no intention to insult 
you, and simply wished to defend the honour of your 
cousin.” 

“Let this reparation satisfy you, Biaek,” said Reyn- 
hove. “ Come, do not be childish, and don’t commence 
a dispute which would only render you ridiculous. A 
young girl’s honour is a delicate subject, and should not 
be spoken of lightly.” 

“Indeed,” said Holding, as Louis accepted the glass 
which Reynhove pressed on him, “the honour of a young 
girl is indeed a delicate subject. Oh I Clara ! Clara I 
if you were lightly spoken of, no one would take your 
part.” Whilst saying these words the tears gushed from 
his eyes. 

“What’s that?” asked Weinstube; “what are you 
crying and lamenting about ? Drink a drop and don’t 
stand blubbering there.” 

“ Oh ! my dear sir,” said Holding, sobbing, “ I never 
hear people talk about a pretty girl but I think of my 
poor daughter. Once she was also good and virtuous, 
and now . . . oh ! oh ! Mr. Louis will recollect what a 
good, amiable creaiure she was, until some scoundrel 
. . . oh! ohl” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


177 


What do I know about your daughter ? ” said Louis, 
turning pale. “ But . . . yes, I recollect . . . she left you 
did she not?” 

‘‘Yes, sir,” answered Helding, evidently offended at 
Louis’s words, “she left me; and I can say it without 
a blush ; for I always loved her and taught her her duty, 
and her shame clings to the scoundrel who led her astray. 
I am but a worn-out old man ; but if ever I discover 
the seducer who has robbed me of my treasure and of 
my only happiness, I shall strike him down. Pardon me, 
gentlemen, you are all young and thoughtless; but if 
you had any idea how your careless behaviour may for 
ever blight a man’s happiness, you would not jest upon 
such a subject.” ^ . 

Whilst Helding spoke, there was something manly 
and dignified in his demeanour ; the feeling of self- 
respect, which at other times slumbered within his 
bosom, was kindled into a sudden flash at the mention 
of his daughter’s name ; the wine seemed to inspire him 
with renewed vigour, and to my eyes the bashful, insipid, 
cringeing parasite had become another being. It was, how- 
ever, nothing but a me^'e flash in the pan, extinguished 
as quickly as it had been kindled, and by which Louis 
and his friends were not very edified, for they all paid 
a visit to the stables. I availed myself of this oppor- 
tunity to remind the poet that it was high time to go 
home; and, after a short resistance, he agreed, and we 
both left the inn. 

I had scarcely gone twenty paces when Helding, who 
but a moment before had spoken so feelingly, suddenly 
grasped my arm, and stuttered forth — 

“ It is really a pity to go now, when there is still such 
a deal of good wine left.” 

5 


M 


178 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


I looked at him. His distended eyes and staggering 
walk convinced me that he was intoxicated, and I sup- 
posed that the sudden exit into the cold air had made 
him worse. 

Take care, Helding/’ said I ; “ let us walk on with- 
out inducing people to stare after us.’’ 

Meanwhile I did my best to pull the poor old sot 
along. Every moment he staggered against me as if he 
were skating. Fortunately it was getting dark, and there 
were but few people seated before the taverns ; but still 
I felt ashamed to walk about the streets with a drunken 
man. Luckily I. met Reynhove, who soon perceived 
what was the matter with Helding, and took hold of his 
left arm while I held the other. Thus we managed to 
get him as far as the town-gate, where we took a coach, 
packed our unconscious burden into it, and walked on 
at the side. 

I assure you,” began Reynhove, ‘‘ that when I formed 
Louis Blaek’s acquaintance some weeks since, I thought 
he was a good, frank sort of fellow; but I have been 
greatly disappointed in him. What a disgraceful way to 
talk about his cousin ! By the by, excuse my asking 
you such a question, but how do you like Miss Harriet 
Black?” 

‘‘ This is not a time to speak about her,” I replied, 
not feeling much inclined to make Reynhove my confi- 
dant. 

“ It is an excellent time for conversation,” he re- 
sumed; “and you need have no fear for mej we shall 
not be rivals. But what may be the reason that her uncle 
is so very anxious for a marriage between her and Louis? 
and why should he speak about it in such a strange and 
unaccountable manner?” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 179 

“ Has he done so in your presence ? ” I asked, with 
some surprise. 

“ In my presence — better still, to myself, my dear 
fellow.^’ 

“ How was that?” 

“ Listen : You are aware that I am staying with the 
Biaeks at present. Well, last night I was lying snug and 
comfortable in bed, when all at once my bedroom door 
was opened. ‘ Who is there ? ^ I asked ; but no answer 
came. I sat up in bed, and saw approach me a tall, bare- 
footed figure, in a night-cap and dressing-gown, with a 
lighted candle in his hand. It was old Mr. Blaek.” 

“ Indeed I And what could he have to say to you ?” 

‘‘ Imagine my curiosity. ‘ My dear Mr. Blaek, what 
has happened?’ I inquired. But he made no reply, 
placed the candlestick on the table, took a chair, and sat 
down by my bedside. Then I perceived that he was a 
somnambulist.” 

“ And did he speak to you?” 

“ He took my hand in his, and, looking at me with 
a face full of sorrow, said — 

“‘For Heaven's sake, Louis, do not ruin your old father. 
Take pity on me. Restore to me my peace of mind and 
marry Harriet. Only to-day I refused an offer for her.’ ” 

“ Did he say that ? ” 

“ Those were his own words. 

“ ‘ Oh, if you knew,’ he continued, ‘what it means to 
suffer the pangs of remorse for so many years, and to 
possess but one sole means of reparation ! It is in your 
power, my son, to give me rest in my old age. I have 
always allowed you to do your own will ; I have, perhaps, 
loved you too much : for Heaven’s sake then, Louis, do 
for me that which you alone can do.’ ” 


i'8o THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 

“ This is very mysterious ! And what can be the secret 
which so grievously oppresses him ? ” 

“ I do not know ; and I would rather have left the 
room than listen to anything which might have preju- 
diced in my eyes a man whose hospitality I was enjoying. 
The old man continued — 

‘ You do not know why I desire this marriage. And 
you will never know it until the hour of my death. And 
it will not be very far off, if you continue thus to thwart 
my designs.’ ” 

“ Fearful ! But what may be the cause of all this?” 

I began to feel embarrassed. I disengaged my hand, 
and moved so close to the wall that I lay beyond his 
reach. He groped about for me a little longer, then with 
a deep sigh he rose, took up the candlestick, and went 
away as silently as he had come.” 

‘‘ I should not repeat this story if I were you,” said 
I. ‘‘ What you have heard was not intended for your ear, 
and it is more or less a breach of confidence to relate it 
to another.’’ 

“ You say this now,” said Reynhove, laughing ; “ but 
you are right. I would not have told it to you*if I had 
not thought that it might interest you. As for Louis, I 
did consider it my duty to tell him of his father’s visit to 
my bedroom. He laughed heartily at it, and remarked that 
he had had so many similar visits that now he locks his bed- 
room door at night. I think I shall follow his example 
for the few more days which I shall spend with the Blaeks. 
I do not care for a repetition of the old man’s visit, for 
I might perhaps hear more than would be pleasant” 

“ Do you intend to return to The Hague soon?” 

“Yes; I do not wish to become very intimate with 
the Blaeks, Besides, your father gave me some good 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, iSi 

advice the last time I visited him; I therefore shall 
endeavour to enter some career, as I have had enough 
of an idle, indolent sort of life. But before my departure 
I will pay your family another visit.” 

We continued our conversation until we arrived at 
Heynz’s house. Wishing to avoid another meeting with 
Amelia, I had intended to leave the intoxicated old man 
in charge of the portrait-painter. But as ill luck would 
have it, the latter was not at home. Helding lay like 
a log of wood in the coach, and of course the servant- 
girl could not manage to drag him up three flights of 
stairs. We were thus compelled to perform this task 
ourselves, and were just lifting the poet out when Louis 
came running up, followed by his servant. 

Hallo I ” said he, “ I have found you at last. Come, 
let me have a hand in the game too.” 

As he spoke he caught hold of one of Holding’s legs; 
but 1 soon perceived that his assistance was but of 
little avail, for he staggered as he went, and appeared 
to be very flushed and excited. As soon as we had 
carried our burden up the first two staircases, Blaek 
loosened his hold and sat down on the landing. Mean- 
while we pulled Helding a few steps higher; but, in 
passing, I saw that the door of Amelia’s room was 
opened ; and her father, no doubt feeling uneasy at the 
unwonted noise below, appeared on the threshold. 
Louis also observed him, and, abruptly rising from his 
seat on the stairs, entered the room. 

“Come!” I remarked to Reynhove, “let us make 
haste, or there will be another quarrel !” 

Without further delay we dragged Helding into his 
room, laid him in bed, and rushed downstairs. Amelia 
was seated at her work-table, pale with fear, and with her 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


182 

liands clasped convulsively. Her father stood in the 
centre of the room, with folded arms, glaring at Louis, 
who could scarcely stand on his legs. 

‘‘Ah ! now I see it all, miss,” cried the latter. “You 
won’t have me for your sweetheart ; but still you receive 
visits from gentlemen. To Huyck the door is not 
closed ; and who is this other fine fellow — the pay- 
master-general, 'I suppose ? ” 

“ Blaek,” cried Reynhove and I, as we took hold of 
his hands; “do not make a fool of yourself! Come 
along with us.” 

“ Pardon me,” said Bos, “ but is this the Mr. Blaek 
who has had the impertinence of making such disgraceful 
offers to my daughter?” 

“Your daughter!” repeated Louis, taken aback for 
the moment, “ well, yes ; what has that to do with it?” 
he continued, with his usual abruptness. “ I want to 
make her rich ; and if you are a man of sense you will 
have no objection to that. Ts there any harm in falling 
in love with a pretty girl ? She accepts presents, too, 
innocent as she looks I ” 

“Wait a moment,” said Bos, and, opening a drawer, 
he produced a necklace, and thrust it into Louis’s pocket ; 
then, without another word, he dealt him a violent blow 
in the face. 

“Sir,” said Reynhove, abashed, “we shall take care 
that he does not give you any further trouble, but if you 
strike him we will not hold him back !” 

“Sir,” answered Bos very coolly, “he has but re- 
ceived a hundredth part of his deserts ; it is high time 
that he should learn in what way he will be welcomed 
here in future I ” 

“You shall give me satisfaction,” roared Louis, at- 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


183 


tempting to shake us off. “ Don’t hold me, wretched, 
false friends that you are. Peter ! my whip ! I shall 
teach the scoundrel manners ! ” 

At these words Peter, his servant, rushed into the 
room and approached Bos, whip in hand, whilst Louis 
freed himself from our grasp and sprang upon Bos with 
the fury of a madman. The latter awaited his attack 
very coolly, grasped him by the neck and by the waist, 
and, in spite of all his struggling, carried him out of the 
room, and threw him down the stairs ! 

“What will be the end of all this?” cried Amelia. “ Mr. 
Huyck, for Heaven’s sake, do try to pacify my father ! ” 
“Go and pick up your master,” said Bos, turning to 
Peter, “ or I will send you down the same way ! ” 

Peter, though very impudent and generally not afraid 
of any one, did not seem inclined to try the strength of 
Bos’s arm,* and, without awaiting a second command, 
went downstairs. 

Reynhove approached Bos, and remarked, “ I think 
that you have been rather rash, sir \ our friend is a little 
inebriated, and ...” 

“ I treat him as such,” said Bos ; “ you will do me the 
favour of leaving this room ; I do not want any visitors. 
Mr. Huyck, one word with you before you go ! ” 

“ I will leave you, sir,” said Reynhove. “ I own that 
you are the master here ; but allow me to add that I only 
came here accidentally, and that I cannot approve of 
the vigorous manner in which you act towards one who 
cannot well defend himself ! ” 

“ Enough 1 ” cried Bos, with a movement of impa- 
tience, as he pointed to the open door. 

Reynhove bowed to Amelia, returned Bos his haughty 
glance, and retired. 


1 84 THE COUNT OF TALA FEE A, 

“ What is the meaning of this disturbance ? asked 
Bos, as soon as Reyn hove had gone. 

I briefly explained the cause of our visit, and expressed 
my regret at being once more involved in such unplea- 
sant quarrels. 

‘‘What I fear, Mr. Bos,” said I, “is that this disturb* 
ance may attract the attention of the police. If Mr, 
Blaek should lodge a complaint against you, I do not 
think that you will be safe here much longer 1 ” 

“ I have to dread the worst, that is certain,” he re- 
plied ; “ but it is of no use to trouble myself about the 
future. I have been in more dangerous circumstances, 
and have always escaped. As yet there seems to be no 
suspicion aroused about me, and perhaps in a few days 
I may be able to settle my affairs, and will leave this 
country for ever 1 ” 

“ Do not flatter yourself with doubtful hop^s,” said I ; 
“you are acting rashly. Was it not imprudent of you 
to pay a visit to my aunt, a sister of the high bailiff? ” 

“On the contrary, nothing could be better calculated 
to disarm suspicion ; but I will detain you no longer. 
Farewell ! and may Heaven be with you.” 

I retired and hurried home. Probably my features 
still bore the traces of the emotions which the inci- 
dents of the evening had aroused within me, for my 
parents gave me an anxious glance. After I had told 
them that I had been in company with Blaek, Reynhove, 
and others — omitting, of course, all mention of my latest 
adventure — Susannah declared that she would present 
me on my next birthday with a little riding- whip 
and a drinking-cup, seeing that to my other amiable 
qualities I wished to add those of a horse-dealer and a 
wine-bibber. 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


185 


‘‘ Ferdinand,” said my father, “ thwarted love may 
sometimes lead to foolish actions. Be on your guard !” 

The following day, while on ’Change, I was accosted 
by Velters the broker, who, after some conversation 
about the commissions which he had to execute for our 
house, asked for permission to accompany me part of 
my way home. I fancied that he had perhaps some 
new business scheme to confide to me, and I felt not a 
little surprised when, having left the Exchange, he asked 
me to take another and quieter route home than my 
usual one. 

If your communication is of so much importance,” 
I asked, ‘‘ why do you not rather come home with me?” 

‘‘ Pardon me ; it is better that I should speak to you 
before you go home.” 

Well, I hope there is no conspiracy brewing,” said 
I, with a laugh. When we had walked on in silence for 
a few minutes, Velters began — 

“ I think that you have heard of the mean way in which 
Mr. Louis Blaek cheated me with a horse which I recently 
purchased from him. No doubt he thought that because 
I was in a certain sense dependent on his father, he 
could treat me as the lion in the fable treated his com- 
panions in the chase ; but when? I learnt how I had 
been cheated, indignation triumphed over every other 
consideration, and without delay I took legal advice. 
My counsel dissuaded me from taking proceedings against 
Louis Blaek, as I had too much to risk by quarrelling with 
his father; and reluctantly I resolved to abandon my ideas 
of revenge, and not to think any more about the affair. 
This morning I received a letter inviting me to call upon 
the high bailiff. I went there at the appointed time, 
and was at once introduced to your father, with whom I 


j86 


THE COUNT OF TA LAV ERA, 


found that scoundrel Jasper — one of Mr. Louis Blaek’s 
associates in the horse-swindle. Your father asked me 
whether I desired the return of the money which I had 
paid for Blaek’s horse, or whether I feared that such a 
proceeding would injure me. I hesitated for a moment ; 
but as .1 wished to show that no fear of material losses 
would prevent me from seeing myself righted, I replied 
that I should like to have my money returned. Upon 
this your father gave orders that Mr. Louis, who was 
waiting in an adjoining room, should be admitted to 
his presence. He came, and I thought he looked rather 
confused at seeing Jasper and myself in the room. Your 
father reproached him with his disgraceful behaviour, 
and ended by telling him either to return the money or 
to suffer the consequences of an action for fraud. At 
first Mr. Blaek demurred, but ultin-mtely he promised 
that the money would be returned, observing, at the 
same time, that none but you could have instigated 
your father to prosecute him, as you were present at the 
club on the day when he jocularly mentioned the sale of 
his horse; he added that such conduct did not surprise 
him in one who had enticed him into a strange house 
in order to illtreat him.” 

‘‘ What ! did he have the impertinence to say this ? ” I 
indignantly exclaimed. 

The high bailiff at once asked him what he meant 
by those words, and remarked that if Mr. Louis had any 
complaint to make, he should not hesitate to come 
forward, even if it were against his own son. Mr. Blaek 
appeared to reflect for a moment, and then said that he 
would rather leave the matter alone, whereupon your 
father asked him who had thrown him downstairs at the 
house of the portrait-painter Heynz.” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 187 

What ! my father knew this ? . . . but why should 
I be surprised at anything ? ” 

“ At this Blaek answered, ‘ Sir, I do not accuse any 
one as yet; but your son did not behave as I should 
have expected an honourable man to have done. If 
you will listen to my servant, he will tell you that he 
prevented him from coming to my aid, while some other 
person illtreated me.’ 

“ The high bailiff replied, ‘ Mr. Blaek, we will inquire 
into this matter; and, in any case, rest assured that 
justice shall be done.’ 

‘‘ With this the young gentleman took his departure. 
Then, however, there occurred something else, and I am 
afraid I did wrong in what I said at the time. As soon 
as we were alone, your father asked me whether I knew 
you. I answered in the affirmative. 

“‘Yes,’ said he; ‘you met each other at Helding’s. 
Allow me to ask you a question. Were you the gentle- 
man whom my son saw home ? ’ 

“ ‘ No, sir,’ I replied, with some surprise, ‘ I did not 
have that honour; your son left earlier.’” 

“ Ah 1 ” said I, “ now the thundercloud will burst.” 

“ There was not the least change noticeable on your 
father’s features,” continued Velters ; “ and yet, when he 
told me that my presence was no longer required, I 
fancied that the tone in which he spoke was tinged with 
annoyance, and I felt that I had rendered you an ill 
service by telling the truth. This pained me ; but I 
could not have told a falsehood, and so I thought the 
best thing to do would be to give you timely warning 
of what had transpired, so that you might be prepared 
for any emergency.” 

“ Indeed,” said I, “ you have rendered me an ill ser- 


i88 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A. 


vice; but you have done well in telling the truth. I 
was compelled to tell my father a falsehood, and I 
must now suffer the consequences. But we are near 
my father’s house ; let us part here : it might bring you 
into trouble if we were seen together just now. I am 
thankful for the service which you have rendered me, 
though it has spoilt my appetite for dinner.” 

Velters left me, and I returned home very ill at 
ease. On entering the dining-room I dared hardly lift 
my eyes ; my father looked very grave, and spoke but 
little; my mother sighed, and gave me -a sad and half- 
reproachful look. As for my sister, at first she made 
some attempts to enliven the conversation, but she soon 
perceived that it was useless, and remained silent, so 
that our meal passed off like a Quakers’ meeting. Then 
my father desired me to follow him into his study — “ if 
your other occupations,” he added with a sneer, “ allow 
you any time for a brief interview.” 

I told him that I was at his disposal, and followed 
him with a beating heart. He sat down, and asked me 
to do the same, with a solemnity that augured ill for 
what was to follow. His features were stern as usual ; 
but in his eyes and in the depressed corners of his mouth 
an expression of sorrow was noticeable, plainly showing 
that he suffered more than he would express. 

‘‘Sir,” he begaUj after having looked at me in silence 
for awhile, “ I can well understand why Mr. Blaek would 
not sanction your further acquaintance with his ward ; 
and I regret that the entreaties of your mother should 
ever have persuaded me in taking so foolish a step as I 
have done.” 

“What do you mean, father?” I asked. “A foolish 
step r . . . I cannot understand you.” 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A. 18; 

“ I honour a prudent man/’ continued my father, ‘‘ wliO 
will not deliver a ward intrusted to his care into the 
hands of one whose behaviour augurs so unfavourably 
for her future happiness.” 

“ My behaviour ! ” I repeated. “ What can Mr. Blaek 
have to reproach me with ? ” 

“ What, sir 1 A young man who, on the day of his 
return to his parents, when, above all, his mind should 
be occupied with pure and elevating thoughts, is not 
ashamed to bring a mistress with him — who allows his 
pious and unsuspecting aunt to come into contact with 
a woman of no character; one who, in order to disguise 
his visits to his mistress, fells me a lie to my face, and 
declares that he takes nightly walks with Velters; one 
who, returning from his drunken revels, has his rival 
thrown downstairs — you perceive that I am well informed 
— and who, in spite of all this, still dares to imagine that 
he may claim the hand of a respectable girl, to ask me 
what I mean ! O Ferdinand 1 how deeply have you 
fallen !” 

“Father,” said I, as calmly as I could, “of all the 
charges which you have brought against me there is but 
one to which I must plead guilty — namely, that I told you 
a falsehood with regard to my walk with Velters. As for 
my acquaintance with the young lady \vho lodges at 
Heynz’s, I have no cause to be ashamed of it. You 
promised me that you would not again mention this 
matter.” 

“ I did so because I placed implicit confidence in 
your sincerity and upriglit conduct. But now, that you 
yourself own that you have deceived me in one instance, 
how can you expect me to put faith in any of your asser- 
tions ? As a parent I consider it my duty to admonish my. 


190 THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 

son when I see him hurrying along the road to ruin ; and 
as a high bailiff, who is to guard the public peace in this 
city, I shall know how to put a stop to your irregularities/" 
My position is a very painful one,’" said I, ‘‘ espe- 
cially as my defence would be extremely easy, did not a 
sacred duty bind me to silence.” 

‘‘ Enough of this, sir,” said my father, rising ; “ I know 
the value of such childish talk. In future your move- 
ments shall be watched, depend upon that. As your 
father, I shall take care that you do not disgrace my 
honest name ; as high bailiff, I shall prevent you from 
creating further disturbance in this city. 1 have done 
with you : I will detain you no longer.” 

No, father,” 1 exclaimed, as I rose from my seat and 
grasped his hand, ‘‘ we must not part thus. I leave you 
in the hope that you will one day have a better opinion 
of me.” 

A knock, Heynz’s usual signal, disturbed us. 

Wait a moment ! ” cried my father. “ No, never 
mind,” he continued ; “ it is better thus. Come in.” 

Again he sat down. Heynz entered, and looked at 
me with some surprise. 

‘‘ Go on,” said rny father ; ‘‘ you know my son. What 
is the news ? ” 

Heynz took his note-book, and as usual began to read 
a long list of arrivals and departures, interspersed with 
some provisional arrests and with different police infor- 
mation, to which my father attentively listened, made 
an occasional remark, and at intervals jotted down a 
line or two in a book before him. 

At last the elaborate catalogue of misdemeanours and 
successful espionage came to a conclusion, and Heynz 
closed his note-book. 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 191 

“ Is there nothing else ? ” asked my father. 

“ Nothing, your honour, except a few cases of pocket- 
picking.” 

Nothing else ?” 

“ No,” replied Heynz, with another glance at his 
pocket-book. 

No ? Indeed ! then it is my turn,” said my father, 
giving him a sharp look. Last night, at the house 
of William Heynz, a quarrel arose, in consequence of 
which Mr. Louis Blaek was thrown downstairs. Mr. 
Heynz, who is so well informed as to what occurs in the 
city, does not appear to know what goes on in his own 
house.” 

“Your honour,” faltered Heynz, giving me a look of 
alarm, “ I did not think it worth while mentioning this 
matter.” 

“ That is not for you to decide. Who was it that 
provoked the quarrel? Well, you need not look at my 
son. Answer ! ” 

“ Your honour — I really know little or nothing about 
the whole affair. I was not at home \ and when I learnt 
what had occurred, I thought it was best not to be too 
particular with regard to such little escapades, in which 
young men of the highest families are involved.” 

“ Indeed ! — so, in your wisdom, you imagine that 
there exists one law for the rich and another for those 
who are less favoured by fortune ? But I have not yet 
finished. The said William Heynz gives shelter to 
suspected persons, and is not ashamed to permit a 
certain young lady, a lodger in his house, to receive 
visits from young libertines!” At these words my 
father looked at me very significantly. 

“Pardon me, your honour, but can I suspect a young* 


192 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


lady whom your son has honoured with his visits, and 
who is acquainted with your sister? Besides, what does 
it concern me, now that her own father has arrived, wha 
also lives at my house ? I cannot blame the man for 
throwing Mr. Blaek downstairs because he refused to 
leave his room. A man must be master in his own 
house ! ” 

“Certainly,’’ remarked my father. “What is your 
lodger’s name ?” 

“Van Beveren, of Deventer.” 

“ William Ileynz gives shelter to a person calling him- 
self Van Beveren, without investigating as to whether 
such a name exists. Meanwhile I am enabled to assure 
him that, from information received, such a name is not 
known in the town of Deventer ! ” 

“ Not known ! ” repeated Heynz with amazement, 
“ the notary Bouvelt has recommended me these 
people ! ” 

“ Be careful,” said my father. “ But, perhaps, my son 
will tell you their real names.” 

“ I am no detective,” I replied sullenly ; “ and even 
if I knew this stranger s secrets, it would be very mean 
on my part to divulge them. You cannot desire that, 
father ! ” 

My father looked at me long and searchingly. At 
length he remarked — 

“ There is something behind this which I cannot 
understand. Meanwhile, Ferdinand, I will as yet be- 
lieve that you are less guilty than I had suspected ; but 
still I must not neglect to take such steps as I consider 
necessary. Heynz, you’ll take care to keep me well 
informed as to the movements of your lodgers, and at 
the same time you keep an eye on my son. As soon as 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


193 


you notice anything which you may consider suspi- 
cious, come and tell me. If I discover that you con- 
ceal the smallest trifle I shall no longer require your 
services ! 

‘‘What, father!’’ I exclaimed, “it is on a mere sus- 
picion that you place me in the same category with 
criminals and bad characters! Pray, let Heynz stay 
another moment. He can tell you whether I have 
been more than three times at his house, and 
whether each time Helding was not the cause of my 
visit ; whilst it was only by a mere accident that I 
was brought in contact with the stranger and his 
daughter.” 

“ I have already told you that I suspend for the 
present my opinion of your conduct,” replied my father. 
“If you are not guilty, you can have nothing to fear 
from inquiry; if you have done wrong, it will be a 
caution to you in future. I will now no longer detain 
you.” 

I wished him good day, and with a heavy heart I 
returned to our office. As soon as I arrived there, Mr. 
Van Baalen told me that there was an important nego- 
tiation pending, and asked me, as a favour, to call im- 
mediately' upon the identical notary whose name I had 
heard mentioned in connection with my mysterious 
friend Bos. 

I agreed, and left the office, musing over the strange 
whims of fate whereby all that I heard or did became 
in some way or another connected with Bos and his 
daughter. At the same time I felt some curiosity to 
see this notary, whom I pictured to myself as some 
great magician who possessed the key to all the 
secrets which so disturbed my peace of mind and my 
5 N 


194 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


domestic happiness. For I did not doubt for one 
moment that this visit of mine, although it was made 
with a very prosaic and matter-of-fact object, would 
yet tend to new complications in the drama in which 
I played an unwilling part. My forebodings did not 
deceive me. 


( 195 } 


XVIII. 

I ASCENDED the steps of Bouvelt’s house and rang the 
bell. The door was soon opened, and I was shown 
into a little room, where I had to await my turn for an 
interview with the notary. I stood at the window, and 
amused myself by gazing at the passers-by. Hardly had 
I been thus occupied when a carriage drew up in front 
of the house, from which I saw old Mr. Blaek alight; 
the next moment he entered the room. 

It was evident that my presence was very far from 
pleasant to him. He returned my greeting with a stiff 
bow, sat down, produced a pocket-book, opened it and 
began looking for some papers. From this I inferred that 
he did not wish to enter into any conversation, and I 
resumed my former attitude without taking any further 
notice of him. 

In this position I spent a rather tedious quarter of 
an hour, w^hen at length I heard a bell ring in the room 
above, and shortly afterwards a voice in the hall ex- 
claimed — 

“ Excuse me, I have left my umbrella in the parlour.” 

The door of the little room was opened, and to my 
astonishment I beheld Amelia’s father, spectacled as 
usual, and attired in his favourite crimson coat. 

He soon recognised me, as I perceived from a slight 
knitting of his eyebrows. 


196 THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A. 

In order to get his umbrella, which stood in a corner, 
he had to pass by Mr. Blaek, who was still seated at the 
table intent on the papers before him. 

Having approached him, Bos stood still, looked at 
him for a moment and took a step backwards. 

“James Blaek !” he exclaimed. 

“ Frederick Van Lintz ! ” replied Blaek, turning pale, 
as he leaped from his chair, and looked at his old 
acquaintance with alarm and amazement. 

“ The same,” said Van Lintz ; “ I see that you still 
recognise my voice in spite of my . . .” 

“ But how dare you . . . ? Good Heavens I . . , just 
reflect . . and with a sidelong glance he endeavoured 
to make him understand that they were not alone. 

“Oh, that does not matter,” said Van Lintz, with a 
smile ; “ Mr. Huyck will not betray me \ and, besides, I 
have no choice, and must take time by the forelock. I 
could not have met with a more favourable opportunity; 
I have long desired to have an interview with you.” • 

“ With me ! and what can you have to say to me ? . . . 
But, for Heaven’s sake, do not speak so loud ! Re- 
member that your safety is at stake.” 

“ That depends upon yourself. You alone can assist 
me ; and you’ll do so for the sake of our old friendship, 
and for the sake of our dear brother who is in heaven.” 

I noticed that Mr. Blaek again changed colour. 

“ Be silent, I entreat you,” he whispered, as he 
wiped away the perspiration which covered his brow. 
“ I will gladly help you ; but let us go to some other 
place ; do not stay here.” 

“Pardon me, gentlemen,” I interposed, “I do not 
wish to intrude ; I will retire to the hall. I suppose I 
shall soon see Mr. Bouvelt.” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


197 


“Oh, what is the use of it?” replied Mr. Blaek in 
an agitated voice ; “ Mr. Huyck has heard too much 
already. How can you be so indiscreet ! 

“What disturbs you?” asked Van Lintz, as he stood 
with folded arms, leaning against the mantelpiece. 
“Who in the world can blame you for exchanging a 
few words with an old acquaintance, with your late 
brother’s relative? Mr. Huyck knows as well as you do 
that the police are at my heels, and my safety has long 
depended upon him alone. One word from him would 
have been enough to endanger my life ; but he has not 
uttered it, and he will not utter it now. From him I 
have therefore nothing to fear, and I think he will not at 
all object to your getting me away from here as soon as 
possible.” 

“On the contrary,” I quickly remarked, “Mr. Van 
Lintz’s sojourn here, and his secrets, have occasioned 
me already sufficient trouble and annoyance, and I shall 
feel extremely thankful to Mr. Blaek if he will put a stop 
to them.” 

“Ah !” said Van Lintz, with a smile, “and you would 
consider yourself free to divulge my secret when once I 
should be away from here ? ” 

“Undoubtedly,” I replied ; “such was our agreement, 
was it not?” 

“Certainly; but Mr. Blaek might find it rather un- 
pleasant if he were known to have had a hand in my 
escape.” 

“ Why should I mention it ? I trust Mr. Blaek has 
too good an opinion of. me to look upon me as a 
spy?” 

“ Certainly,” said Blaek, in evident confusion, “ I have 
a most excellent opinion of Mr. Huyck ; but,” he con- 


£98 THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. . 

tinued addressing Van Lintz, ‘Ms this a fit place to speak 
about your affairs ? Come to my house, or . . 

‘‘To your house?’’ repeated Van Lintz; “no, no; 
it would perhaps be rather unpleasant for your son 
to meet me there after the lesson I gave him last 
night.” 

“Eh! what! You are then the Mr. Van Beveren? . . . 
but you are right ; my house is not a fit place . . . but 
come with me, I shall find you a safe place of refuge. 
We can arrange all that in the carriage. Perhaps Mr* 
Huyck will be kind enough to excuse me to Mr. Bouvelt, 
and to tell him that I had no time ... or whatever he 
pleases.” 

“Very well, then,” replied Van Lintz; “Mr. Huyck, 
I will not yet bid you farewell, for it appears that by some 
fatality we must continually be brought in contact with 
each other; no doubt we shall meet again.” 

“ I have only one word of advice to give you,” said I ; 
“make haste, for one hour’s delay may be fatal to you ; 
at least, I can assure you that Heynz s house is no 
longer a safe refuge for you.” 

He thanked me with a nod. 

“ Will you promise me, Mr. Huyck,” said Blaek, as he 
turned to me and pressed my hand convulsively, “not 
to mention this encounter?” 

“ I have already told you that I am no spy,” I 
answered rather haughtily, “and I repeat what I have 
said to Mr. Van Lintz, that I shall only mention my 
meeting him when it will be my duty to do so.” 

The two gentlemen retired, and I soon saw them drive 
off together. 

Shortly afterwards I was summoned into the notary’s 
presence. 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


199 


It is needless to give an account of my interview with 
Mr. Bouvelt. For frequently as his name may have been 
mentioned in the course of this story, and whatever the 
nfluence may have been which he unconsciously exerted 
over my adventures, the part he played in them was 
of too subordinate a nature to deserve any special 
mention. 


( ) 


XIX. 

On leaving the notary’s house I felt somewhat more at 
ease. From the presence of Van Lintz there, I inferred 
that he had at length procured those papers to which he 
had attached so much importance, and that therefore 
there would be no occasion for his staying any longer in 
a city where he ran such a great risk of being discovered. 
On the other hand, the few words which he had ex- 
changed with Mr. Blaek inspired me with sa»me hopes 
that the latter would assist his old acquaintance, and 
facilitate his escape across the frontiers ; in which event 
I for^aw that the time would soon arrive when I should 
be allowed to reveal what I had seen. The following 
day I was at work in my room when Helding’s name was 
announced to me. Feeling annoyed at once more being 
brought face to face with an inmate of Heynz’s house, 
and fearing that his visit would only tend to excite fresh 
suspicions, I scolded the maid-servant for having said 
that I was at home. For a moment I hesitated whether 
I should not let the old man know that I was too much 
occupied to receive him; but, on second thoughts, I 
altered my .mind, and told her to show him upstairs. 

He soon made his appearance, and, after repeated 
courtesies, he sat down and thanked me effusively for 
the trouble which I had taken in seeing him safely home 
on the night of his bacchanalia. But gradually the con- 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


201 


versation began to flow in a more interesting channel, 
and I prepared myself for some startling news. 

I was very sorry to hear,” he remarked, “ that Mr. 
Louis Blaek met with such an unpleasant adventure at 
our house.” 

Yes,” said I, “ but I think we had better not toucli 
upon this subject again.” 

‘‘ You are right, sir. But stranger things have since 
occurred. Who could have thought that Mr. Van 
Beveren . . , ? ” 

“ Well ? ” I asked, beginning to feel interested. 

“Well, he has run away.” 

“Has he gone ?” I exclaimed. “Thank Heaven for 
that!” 

“No one knows where he is gone to,” he continued, 
somewhat surprised at my joyful exclamation. 

“And his daughter?” 

“ She is still here, but she will not remain much longer; 
at least Heynz will not allow her to stay in his house.” 

“No 1 and what has happened then ? ” 

“ I will tell you, sir. Last night my pretty housemate 
invited me to come and drink a cup of coffee with her ; for 
I must tell you, sir, she does occasionally ask me in the 
evening; at any rate, it cannot be said that she is too proud 
to have a little oliat with an old man like me ; and she seems 
amused when sometimes I recite a few of my verses.” 

I was somewhat surprised at Amelia’s tastes ; but, on 
second thoughts, I understood that, after what had 
occurred, she preferred not to be alone during her father’s 
absence, and that Helding’s presence would, to some 
extent, set her mind at ease. 

“And her father was not at home?” I asked. 

“That’s just the best of it,” he answered with a smile. 


202 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


I was alone with her, had lighted my pipe, and was 
just about to read my little poem on ‘ The Dimple,’ when 
her papa came home. 

‘ Well, papa,’ she asked, ‘did yon succeed?’ 

“ ‘ Yes,’ said he, and he produced a bundle of papers 
from his pocket, some of which he put into a desk, which 
he locked, without paying the least attention to me,” 

“That was not polite,”! observed. 

“ Mr. Van Beveren is very rude, for he all at once 
turned round to me, and said — 

“‘Mr. Helding, if you like another cup of coffee, 
you are welcome to it ; but drink it as quickly as you 
can, for I have something to say to my daughter.’ 

“ ‘ Oh ! ’ I replied, ‘ I do not like to inconvenience any 
one, and I will rather go at once ; ’ for I.felt vexed. You 
see, I am very easily led, but 1 do not like people to 
offend me.” 

“And did you go, then?” 

“Not yet, as you shall hear. The best part is coming 
now. As I was preparing to go, in comes Heynz, and 
begins to chat. 

“ ‘ Ah, Mr. Heynz,’ said Mr. Van Beveren, ‘ you are 
the very man whom I want. I leave town to-night, and 
I wish to pay what I owe you. At the same time I must 
ask you to take care that my daughter receives no more 
unwelcome visitors.’ 

“ ‘Well, well,’ said Heynz, ‘are you going out of town 
so late ? Going to Deventer, I suppose ? ’ he added with 
a jeering look. 

“ Mr. Van Beveren gave him a glance, as much as to 
say, ‘ That is not your business ! ’ 

“ ‘ Be kind enough,’ he replied, ‘to give me my bill, 
and I will pay you up to the end of the month.’ . 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 203 

‘‘ ‘ May I ask/ said Heynz, ‘ whether there are any 
more gentlemen of your name in Deventer?’ 

“ ‘You are inquisitive this evening, Mr. Heynz?’ said 
Mr. Van Beveren, with a face as if he wanted to devour 
him. 

“ ‘ I only mean to say,’ continued Heynz, ‘ that I have 
heard that the name of Van Beveren is not known in 
Deventer.’ 

‘That is very curious ; the name is common enough 
elsewhere. But, Mr. Heynz, you might at least wait 
until you are deputy-bailiff before annoying me with such 
impertinent questions.’ 

“ Then you should have seen Miss Amelia’s face, the 
poor thing turned as white as a sheet. Heynz looked 
sour enough top, I can assure you. 

“ ‘ Sir,’ said he, ‘your name may or may not be Van 
Beveren ; but although I am no deputy-bailiff, such an 
official might come here and ask you some unpleasant 
questions.’ 

“ ‘ My friend,’ retorted Van Beveren, ‘ when a deputy- 
bailiff comes I shall answer him, but not you. If you 
really were so clever a detective as you pretend to be, 
you would have discovered the money of which Black 
Peter has robbed me, or you would at least have given 
me some clue to its discovery.’ 

“I was stunned. ‘Heynz a detective!’ thought I. 
Had you ever imagined that, Mr. Huyck?” . 

“ I half suspected it,” I answered, with a smile ; “ and 
how did it all end ? ” 

“Well, Heynz turned as red as a turkey-cock, and 
gave a sharp answer. At one moment I was afraid that 
Van Beveren, or whatever his name may be, would take 
him by the collar and treat him in the same fashion as I 


204 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


Ijeard he did Mr. Louis. But all at once he became 
silent, and sat down with the greatest coolness. Heynz 
now saw that he would gain nothing by his anger, and 
said in a lower key — 

*‘^Sir, I must warn you that you are considered a 
suspicious character, therefore tell me frankly what you 
have come to do here? As the landlord of the house 
I have some right to ask this.’ 

‘‘ ‘ Look here, Mr. Heynz,’ was the reply, ‘ I pay you 
your rent like' an honest man, and I do not know that 
you have any cause for complaint against me. This is 
a free country, and therefore I do not see that you have 
a right to prevent me from going wherever I choose. 
My daughter shall remain here until she has found 
better lodgings. I am going away this evening, and 
you may set your spies after me if you like, and have 
my movements watched ; but now I will ask you kindly 
to retire.' 

‘‘ He;ynz at length appeared to see that he could 
get no further information, so, muttering something to 
himself, he left, and I followed his example ; and, as I 
learned this morning, Mr. Van Beveren has started for 
Utrecht by the night boat.” 

‘‘ I wish him God-speed,” said I, astonished at Van 
Lintz’s boldness and imprudence in leaving thus by a 
public conveyance where he could not fail to be detected. 
Before he went away, Helding begged me to remind my 
father of the promise which he had given him to make 
inquiries concerning the fate of his unfortunate daughter, 

‘‘ I will do so,” said I, although it is unnecessary. My 
father never forgets a promise ; only have patience, my 
dear Helding, and you shall obtain the desired infor- 
mation. I trust the result may be satisfactory.” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


205 


The following day, as I happened to have an hour 
to spare before dinner, Susannah availed herself of the 
opportunity to make me accompany her to Aunt Lina’s. 
Whilst engaged with my aunt in conversation, we heard 
a carriage stop. 

Some one was coming upstairs. The door opened, 
and Harriet Blaek stood before us. She looked charm- 
ing as usual, but there seemed to be a gloom spread 
over her features. Observing us, she remained standing 
at the door in evident confusion. 

“ Come in, Harriet dear,” said my aunt. “ I am glad 
you have come to pay me a visit, child.” 

“How do you do. Miss Huyck,” said Harriet, approach- 
ing with the air of one who takes a desperate resolution; 
“pardon my intru'sion, the servant asked me to walk 
upstairs. I did not know that you had company. I 
came to return you the book which you lent me. Good 
morning, Susan dear, how are you?” as she shook 
Susannah’s hand affectionately. 

She bowed to me as stiff and formal as if I were a 
stranger ; and although a faint blush suffused her cheeks, 
her eyes spoke of cold indifference. Susannah and I 
looked at one another ; we were at a loss how to account 
for this strange behaviour. 

I placed a chair for her, but she pretended not to see 
it, and sat down in another part of the room. 

“ Did you like the book ? ” asked my aunt. “ They are 
sermons, I have forgotten whose.” 

“Oh yes. Miss Huyck,” she answered, “it is a 
beautiful work, and my uncle has kindly bought me a 
copy.” 

“ Indeed ; that’s right. And how is your uncle? 
Quite well ? I am glad to hear that. And how are you 


2o6 the count of tala VERA, 

yourself, Harriet dear? Methinks not so well as when 
I last saw youT 

“ I am quite well, madam/’ 

“ No, really,” continued my aunt, you do not look 
very bright. I suppose the bad effects of that accident 
at sea have not yet left you. Well, that was a provi- 
dential escape indeed.” 

“You have not suffered from it since, I tnist, Miss 
Blaek ? ” I asked. 

“No, sir,” she replied, with icy coldness; “and I am 
doing my best to efface that occurrence with all its con- 
sequences from my memory.” 

I was quite stunned at these words, for I well under- 
stood their purport. Susannah looked at her friend as 
though she would ask, “ Do you mean what you say ? ” 
but my aunt in her simplicity remarked — 

“That is not right, Harriet. Such a fearful occur- 
rence, which plainly shows you that the Lord does 
not forsake those who cry unto Him in their distress, 
should not be readily forgotten, rather let it serve as a 
theme for your everlasting gratitude to Him who has 
saved you.” 

“ You are perfectly right. Miss Huyck,” said Harriet ; 
“ I expressed myself wrongly. I am deeply sensible of 
the debt of gratitude which I owe to Heaven, and I never 
hope to forget it.” 

After a half-hour’s conversation, in which Miss Blaek 
did not take a very active part, the latter rose. 

“ Miss Huyck,” she began, with some hesitation, “ I 
must ask you to excuse me ; I may not stay longer ; it is 
later than I thought, and ...” 

“ Do you want to go already?” asked my aunt; “you 
have only just come.” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 207 

** My uncle expects me ; we dine early, as we are going 
out of town this afternoon.’* 

Are you going to drive home now ? ** asked Susannah, 
abruptly rising from her seat. 

“Yes, dear,” replied Harriet; “it is rather late, other- 
wise I should have asked you to come with me, to be 
driven to your house.’' 

“That is unnecessary,” resumed Susannah; “but I 
should like to have a drive with you. 1 have to go to 
Carlin’s to buy some ribbon ; it is in your way if you 
can take me there.” 

“ Oh ! with pleasure,” said Harriet, in a tone which 
denoted that she could have done without the company 
of her bosom friend. 

“You can stay a little longer, Ferdinand,” said my 
aunt, “ I wish to speak to you.” 

Harriet took her leave, and Susannah, in going, gave 
me a look as much as to say that she would watch over 
my interests. 

“ Well, Ferdinand,” said my aunt, “ I want a word 
with you on a very disagreeable subject. Your father 
was here yesterday, and cautioned me against these 
people living at Heynz’s. He says that the name of 
Van Beveren is an assumed one, and he believes that I 
ought also to be on my guard with the daughter. He 
referred me to you for an explanation of his words. Now 
what does it mean ? Is that girl really wicked ? If 
so, I must be greatly mistaken ; for I looked upon her 
as one who was pure of heart and active in all good 
works.” 

“ I know nothing to her disparagement,” I answered, 
pleased to find that my father had at least not com- 
municated his suspicions to my aunt ; “ and as regards 


208 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


Mr. Van Beveren/’ I continued, ‘‘ Helding told me that 
he had gone away.” 

‘‘Yes, so your father mentioned, and said also that 
Van Beveren left the day before yesterday by the boat, 
and landed at Nieuwsluis, but did not again enter the 
vessel, and disappeared, no one knows where. I only 
mean to say, although we may not condemn our neigh- 
bours, that there must be something wrong with them. 
It is very strange that Heynz has such people in his 
house.” 

“So it is,” I observed ; “but I know nothing to their 
discredit ; although I must confess that I shall be glad 
to hear no more of them, for ever since my return I 
cannot take a single step without being compelled to 
learn something about them. It seems as though they 
were my evil genii, for they are always and everywhere 
following me.” 

I had scarcely finished speaking when my words were 
confirmed. The door was opened, and Amelia entered. 
I may add that my aunt was always at home to every- 
body, and her servants never announced a visitor 
whom they had seen before, but sent him upstairs 
at once. We were all three confounded. Amelia 
was the first to recover from her surprise, and I even 
believe that my presence gave her some encourage- 
ment. 

“ Madam,” said she, turning to my aunt, who was still 
too much surprised to be able to utter a word, “ I come 
to you as a supplicant. In all this great and populous 
city, I have no one on whose kindness I can rely except 
on yours and your nephew’s,” she added, as a blush 
suffused her features. “I know that my visit and my 
request are unwelcome ; I shall not blame you if you 


THE COUNT OF TATA VERA, 


209 

send me away uncomforted, and I shall ever be thankful 
for what you have done for me already.” 

“Sit down, young lady,” said my aunt, who, from the 
extraordinary traces of emotion on Amelia’s features, 
perceived that her visit was made with no common 
object ; “ I like to help where 1 can ; but can I offer you 
something? You look so distressed. Tell me what 
troubles you ?” 

“Shall I retire?” I asked, feeling little inclined to be 
again mixed up in Amelia’s affairs. “ Perhaps the young 
lady wishes to see you privately.” 

“No; stay a little longer, P'erdinand,” said my aunt; 
“and just get that little phial from the corner shelf and 
bring me the water bottle. Come, take this, my dear, 
it will do you good.” 

“I did not think I could be any longer so deeply 
moved,” said Amelia ; “ I have withstood without flinch- 
ing greater trials and misfortunes than those I have met 
with to-day ; but never, no, never yet have I suffered 
such a deep humiliation. I have endured the vicissi- 
tudes of my life with patience and resignation, but I was 
not born to be insulted by a wretched spy, as if I were 
an outcast of my sex.” ^ 

“ What has occurred ? Who has insulted you ? ” asked 
my aunt and I almost simultaneously. 

“I am speaking of Heynz,” said Amelia; “what he 
said does not signify. His expressions may perhaps 
be excused; he has never associated with respectable 
people ; he could have turned me out of his house, for 
he is the landlord, and has a right to do so ; but it is 
mean and unpardonable in him to insult me at a time 
when I am alone and forsaken by all. I cannot, I may 
not, stay any longer under his roof; but whither shall I 
s o 


210 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


go? You alone, madam, can assist me. I entreat you 
to tell me of a place of refuge amongst honest people. 
I shall not stay there long, I promise you. Money I 
have in abundance. I desire nothing more than a tem- 
porary shelter, however humble it may be, where I may 
find some rest and be safe from obtrusive visitors.” 

This is all very well,” said my aunt ; “ but I hear 
such strange stories about your father and yourself, that 
I must first learn something more about you before I 
can introduce you to other people.” 

“ That is very sensible, sister,” said a voice behind us. 

We all three turned round and beheld my father. As I 
afterwards learned, he had gone to Heynz’s house in order 
to have an interview with Amelia; and not finding her 
at home, had followed her and entered my aunt's resi- 
dence soon after her. 

His unexpected appearance produced various impres- 
sions on us. My aunt’s features brightened, and it was 
evident that the arrival of her brother helped her out of 
a great perplexity. Amelia looked at my father with- 
out fear, but with surprise and alarm, as though she sur- 
mised that her fate depended on his decision. As for 
myself, I was taken aback ; for not alone did I foresee 
fresh troubles arising from a wrong construction of my 
presence in the room, but I also trembled for Amelia; 
and it was only because I knew my father’s strict feelings 
of justice that I still retained some hopes. 

The high bailiff looked in turns at Amelia and at me, 
with a scrutinising glance. She did not cast down her 
eyes, but rose, whilst her features assumed that haughty 
expression which her father so often displayed. She was 
evidently offended at what she considered our rude be- 
haviour. My aunt was the first to break the silence — 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


2II 


“ You are just in time, brother,” said she ; ‘‘ this is the 
young lady of whom I have spoken to you.” 

“ So I see,” said my father. “ Young woman,” he 
continued, turning to Amelia, I regret to find such 
obstinacy in a person of your age and appearance. How 
could you have the presumption to come to the house of 
an honourable lady, whilst you knew that your right 
place is not here ? ” 

Sir ! ” exclaimed Amelia with indignation, and looked 
at him as dignified as a queen ; and then, turning to me, 
she asked passionately, “ Who is that man?” 

‘Htis my father,” I whispered; “for Heaven’s sake . . .” 

“ Well, then, tell your father that I should have ex- 
pected a different treatment at his hands. I am not 
astonished that an uneducated person like Heynz should 
insult me, but I did not think that Mr. Huyck would 
follow such an example.” 

“I should advise you to adopt a less lofty tone,” resumed 
my father. “ I would be respectful towards a beggar- 
woman if her behaviour were proper, but I would treat 
even a princess with contempt if she acted like you.” 

“ Farewell, Miss Huyck,” said Amelia, as with a bow 
she was about to retire. 

“Stay! ” said my father, in a tone of authority which 
all who heard it were compelled to obey ; “ be thankful 
that I do not order my attendants to bring you before 
me at the Town Hall instead of coming here myself to 
examine you ; remember that a frank confession will do 
you more good than a pride which is entirely out of 
place.” 

Amelia stood in the centre of the room, with folded 
arms, compressed lips, and eyes flaming with indigna- 
tion ; her whole attitude denoted that she yielded only 


212 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


to compulsion, but that she had determined not to reply 
to any questions put to her. ‘ 

I do not know/^ continued my father, somewhat 
surprised at such an unusual contempt of his authority, 

whether I should have treated you with so much con- 
sideration if it were not for the sake of tliat scapegrace 
— pointing to me ; — I must confess that he has well 
bestowed his affections.^^ 

‘‘ What ! ” exclaimed Amelia, with a sudden change 
in the expression of her features, and looking at me 
with astonishment. “ I do not understand you,” she 
continued, with an anxious glance at my father. 

You do not understand me?” asked my father, him- 
self surprised at the sudden change in her attitude. 

I thought it was time to interpose. 

The young lady cannot understand you, father,” said 
I ; ‘‘ for there is no question whatever of affections.” 

Wait until you are spoken to, and do not interfere,” 
said my father, with a severe look ; is this meeting 
as accidental as all the others were? You have for ever 
forfeited my confidence.” 

Father, I assure you . . .” 

“ Go ! I will hear no more.” 

I sighed and prepared to obey his command, when 
Amelia, who, during this dispute had been suffering from 
violent emotions, and was blushing and turning pale 
alternately, placed herself between me and the door. 

“ Stay a moment,” said she ; I do not know,” she 
continued, addressing my father, “ what accusations 
have been brought against me ; but this I do declare, 
before Almighty God, that your son has no cause to 
be ashamed of our slight acquaintance, or of the ser- 
vices which he has rendered me. His behaviour was 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


213 


noble, generous, and irreproachable ; and it is foul 
slander alone that can put a wrong construction on his 
actions/’ 

Her words sounded so truthfully; her voice, freed 
from the asperity which had marred it before, was imbued 
with such a tender pathos, and such a noble spirit ani- 
mated her whole being, that my father was touched by 
it. Accustomed as he was to see through the masks 
worn by deception, and to distinguish the true from the 
false, he had no doubt that, though she might not be 
wholly innocent, she was not such a woman as had been 
described to him. He reflected for a moment, then 
motioned to me that I could stay, and hastily asked— 
What is your name, young lady ? ” 

“ Amelia,” she replied immediately, reassuming her 
haughty attitude. 

“ Your family name?” 

“ For the present I bear no other name than Amelia.” 

‘‘And your father? He calls himself Van Beveren; 
but that is not his real name ; what is his name?” 

“ He can tell you that himself.” 

“Very well. But he is not here. Where is he stay- 
ing at present?” 

“ I have never been in the habit of watching his move- 
ments,” replied Amelia. “ I leave that to others,” she 
added with bitterness. 

“ I cannot blame you if you refuse to betray your 
father. But you will not hesitate, I trust, to answer me 
as to what concerns yourself. Where did you make my 
son’s acquaintance ? ” 

“No doubt he himself will inform you on that point,” 
said Amelia. 

For one moment I thought that my father would 


2I4 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


resort to the usual means for obtaining a confession from 
accused persons, namely, by making them believe that 
their accomplices had already confessed. But whether 
he was too upright to degrade himself to such artifices, 
or whether he doubted their utility after the presence ot 
mind of which Amelia had already given proof, he shook 
his head and remarked — 

“ Young woman, as a father, I must repeat that you are 
but aggravating your case by your obstinacy. You and my 
son journey together in a boat, and no one knows where 
you come from. You leave him at Amsterdam, but you 
repeatedly receive his visits. Your father arrives and 
disappears again, like a shadow, bearing a name which 
is not his own. Violent scenes take place at your abode. 
Is all this not calculated to awaken suspicion against 
you ? ’^ 

Of all this address Amelia had apparently only taken 
notice of the fact that I had kept her father’s secret. 

“Your son has acted most nobly,” said she. “He 
has exposed himself to obloquy ! He has incurred the 
displeasure of his nearest relations ! He has become a 
prey to slander for our sakes ! But do not accuse me of 
ungenerosity or ingratitude ! ” she continued, turning to 
me ; “ if I persevere in my silence, and neglect to vindi- 
cate you from the slander which has been brought against 
you. . . and also against myself. Heaven knows I may 
not speak ! ” 

“And now, sir,” said she, addressing my father, “ send 
me to prison if you choose ! You have the power to do 
so, and I can offer no resistance. But I declare to you 
that I have done no wrong; and one day, when you 
will be convinced of my innocence, it will grieve you 
bitterly that you treated me with harshness and injustice. 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


215 


Am I in the Netherlands, those regions renowned 
throughout the world as the home of Liberty ? An inno- 
cent girl is persecuted, slandered, and condemned with- 
out cause ; and her sole crime is that she loves her 
unfortunate father, and will not betray him to his 
enemies ! ” 

‘‘No,” said my father, with more gentleness, “if you 
are innocent you need fear no punishment. I shall put 
to you no further questions. Far be it from me to make 
use of a daughter as a tool for betraying her fatl>er. But 
such strange and mysterious circumstances are attached 
to your sojourn here that I cannot permit you to 
leave the city until this affair shall be cleared up. 
You can choose your own abode, and you shall be safe 
from all unpleasant visitors. It will depend on your father 
whether that stay shall be long or short ! ” 

At this moment a servant entered and handed a 
letter to my father, which had been left by a stranger, 
with the request that it might be immediately delivered 
into his hands. He read it, and an expression of surprise 
came over his features. Looking for a moment at 
Amelia very attentively, he remarked, in an undertone — 

“ Is it possible that I did not think of this before ? 
She is the image of her father. Read this note, Ferdi- 
nand. Perhaps you will now consider yourself at liberty 
to speak ! • 

The note ran as follows: — 

“Honoured Sir, — Little Simon has just been here. 
He positively assures me that Mr. Van Beveren is none 
other than the Count of Talavera, for whom we have 
been looking ! Is it not remarkable that the gentleman 
should have stayed in my house, and that I did not even 
suspect him? However, he is bound to be caught: 


2i6 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


spies have been sent out everywhere. — I have the honour 
to remain your most obedient servant, Heynz.” 

‘‘ I suspected this/* said I, returning the letter ; but 
even this information does not allow me to break my 
silence. I can only speak when the Count is either 
arrested or in safety ! ” 

‘‘ Indeed I ” said my father coldly ; then, turning round, 
he took Amelia’s hand very courteously — 

“ Sister,” said he, addressing my aunt, “ I have much 
pleasure in introducing to you the Honourable Miss Van 
Lintz, the daughter of Katie Reefsail, whom you may 
remember ! ” 

‘‘ Sir ! ” exclaimed Amelia, turning pale, with a terrified 
look at my father. 

‘‘ Pardon me,” continued my father ; I should have 
introduced you as Donna Amelia de Talavera. I deeply 
regret being compelled to prosecute your father, whom 
I esteem in many respects for his great merits. But the 
duty I have to perform will not prevent me from treat- 
ing you with that consideration to which you may lay 
claim in your misfortune. Can I be of any service to 
you? You have some relations here on your mother’s 
side, I believe ? Do you wish me to take you to them, 
and put you under their protection?” 

Alas ! ” said Amelia, not one of them would take 
pity on the wanderer’s*unhappy daughter. No, it is not 
with them, who perhaps hate or despise my father, that I 
shall seek refuge. Show me some humble, some safe 
retreat — it will not be for long . . . and I shall thank 
you, sir. But do not take me to relations, who would 
imagine they were degrading themselves in rendering 
me a service ! ” 

Child,” said Aunt Lina, taking Amelia’s hand ; 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


217 


you shall not go to strangers, neither shall you return 
to Heynz. I have plenty of room here ; stay with me. 
You can live as quietly as you like, and keep your own 
room. I shall tell the servant to allow no one to visit 
you before his name is announced ! ” 

Oh, my dear lady,” said Amelia, as she burst into 
tears and embraced my aunt, ‘‘this kindness is more 
than I deserve ! ” 

“ Well,” said my aunt, “ is it not written, ‘ I was a 
stranger and thou gavest me shelter * ? You accept my 
offer, do you not ? ” 

“ With whom would I sooner stay than with you, 
madam ? Are you not the only one who has treated me 
with kindness 

“ My nephew must also have some credit for that,’> 
said my aunt. 

“No,” said Amelia, as a sudden thought seemed to 
strike her, “ no, it may not be. I forgot that your rela- 
tions have already had enough trouble with me. No, I 
cannot stay with you !” 

“ And why not ? ” asked my aunt ; “ my relations will 
not trouble you. Did I not tell you that you cduld 
remain quietly in your own room ? ” 

“ I respect the young lady’s delicacy,” said my father, 
“ but I believe that she could not do better than 
accept your proposal. The world will then be enabled 
to conclude that the unfavourable reports which have 
been spread about her, and in which I myself believed, 
are false. For the rest she will be quite free here, and 
no one shall molest her either with questions or visits.” 

“ No,” replied-Amelia ; “ for your sake too, Mr. Huyck 
I cannot stay with your sister. The world, with its 
tendency to draw wrong conclusions from everything. 


2i8 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


would accuse you of collusion with one whom you must 
prosecute, if you allowed his daughter to enjoy the hos- 
pitality of your sister's house ! *' 

“Your objection is just," answered my father, “and 
raises you in my estimation ; for, after the manner in 
which I have spoken to you, it is very generous of you 
to have any consideration for ray reputation ! But 
people may say what they like, I shall not trouble my- 
self about it. Your reputation is of no less importance 
than my own; and I can conceive no better means of 
silencing all foolish talk than by your accepting my 
sister's proposal." 

Amelia at length agreed, and my aunt at once gave 
orders that her boxes should be fetched, while my father 
wrote a note to Heynz, authorising him to send them. 
We now took our leave, and left the two ladies to 
themselves. 

“ She possesses the same independent spirit that has 
always characterised Baron Van Lintz," remarked my 
father, when we had walked in silence for awhile. “ I 
pity her ; for, though the Count may evade our re- 
searches for a little longer, he must in the end be caught, 
and what will be her fate then ? " 

“You are no longer annoyed with me, father?" said 
I, taking his hand. 

“ I begin to understand that you were in a difficult 
position; but I cannot yet conceive why you should 
persist in your silence, now that everything is dis- 
covered 1 " 

“ Excuse me ! " said I, “ but if I told you how and 
where I formed the Count’s acquaintance, would you not 
then know where to find him ? " 

“There is something in that," replied my father, with 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


219 


a laugh. “ Well, I will look forward to your further vin ^ 
dication. Meanwhile I am glad that you are not in 
love with Miss Van Lintz ! 

After dinner that day I had a conversation with my 
sister. The mystery of Harriet Blaek’s behaviour at 
our last meeting was now explained. As might have 
been expected, the spell which seemed to be cast over 
everything I did was again the cause of this unpleasant 
incident. It appeared that, having received a one- 
sided account of the scuffle at Heynz’s house between 
the so-called Mr. Van Beveren and her cousin, and 
of the reasons for my presence there, Miss Blaek had 
entertained the most exaggerated notions about my rela- 
tions with Amelia; and hence her coolness and indif- 
ference. I wrote her a letter in which I endeavoured 
to explain and justify my actions, although, for obvious 
reasons, I refrained from giving her any hint as to who 
Amelia really was. 

Through Holding’s gossip Heynz’s secret functions 
were made public, so that he could no longer exercise 
his profession as a portrait-painter. However, as one 
of the deputy-bailiffs had lately retired on a pension, 
Heynz was appointed provisionally to this post, with a 
promise that he should fill it permanently if he succeeded 
in arresting the Count of Talavera, who was still at large. 
About the same time Susannah also received a note 
from Harriet Blaek, in which she acknowledged the 
receipt of my letter in very brief terms. She expressed 
her belief that niy behaviour had no doubt been some- 
what misrepresented, but as her uncle, to whom she was 
so much indebted, was greatly opposed to our further 
acquaintance, she felt it her duty to beg of me to take 
no further trouble about her. These harsh words quite 


220 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


unmanned me ; but I perceived tliat for the moment all 
•I could do was to bide my time and to see whether 
Mr. Blaek would not alter his mind. 

The following Saturday was my mother’s birthday, and 
as invitations had been issued for a party at Heizicht, I 
went there the day before, with a view of assisting my 
aunt. I found her in the best of health and spirits, 
and extremely busy; she scarcely gave herself time to 
welcome me, but ran in hot haste through the house, 
superintending the festive preparations in their most 
minute details, and giving her instructions to an army 
of servants and workmen engaged about the villa gar- 
dens, with an air of gravity and importance which would 
have done credit to a general reviewing his troops on the 
eve of a battle. 

Later in the afternoon, at my aunt’s request, I rode to 
old Martha’s farm-house, to see if the arrangements were 
satisfactorily carried out for a picnic which was to be 
given there on the following day. 

I had hardly crossed the threshold when the old 
woman came running up to me as fast as she could. 

*‘What is your pleasure, sir?” she asked, casting an 
uneasy glance at the staircase leading to the garret. 

I shall go up there,” said I, following her glance ; 
‘‘ I think I may find some spare chairs in the room.” 

‘‘ For Heaven’s sake, sir, don’t ruin me,” she faltered, 
in a hushed voice ; “ he is here again.” 

‘‘What !” said I, “is he then insane?” and, half un- 
consciously, I began to ascend the stairs, and, whilst I 
perceived not only Van Lintz, but also old Mr. Blaek, 
accidentally overheard the following conversation. 

“ I really do not know of any other means to get you 
away from here unobserved,” said the latter. 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


221 


‘‘Well, we shall have to decide upon your plan then,’’ 
answered Van Lintz ; “ I trust that they will not arrest 
me before that time.” 

“And you promise me,” resumed Mr. Blaek, “that 
even though you may be arrested, you will not make the 
matter public ? ” 

“Why should I do so, as you say that your son and 
your niece love each other ? ” 

I was just about to withdraw, for I did not wish to play 
the eavesdropper, but these words excited my curiosity, 
and I could not resist the temptation. 

“They do love each other . . . they shall marry,” 
said Mr. Blaek \ “ if I deceive you, you shall be free to 
do as you like. I assure you it is the truth. Pray 
destroy that fatal document. It might fall into strange 
hands ; give it to me ; I will . . .” 

“Oh no, James Blaek,” said Van Lintz, with a grim 
laugh ; “ you shall have it when I 'shall be in safety, 
and not till then ; and then you can burn it yourself. I 
know too well what your motive is in rendering me 
assistance to give up what may be of service to me.” 

“ Oh ! ” replied Blaek, “ you will not take an undue 
advantage of me ; you will not put me to shame. I have 
done as much for you as was in my power ; I have even 
done more than I promised : I have written to The 
Hague ... I will exert all my influence to put a stop to 
all persecutions ... for the sake of our old friendship, 
do not ruin me.” 

“ I have pledged you my word,” said Van Lintz ; “ let 
that suffice. I shall expect you to-morrow. Endeavour to 
leave tliis place unobserved. I will ring for Martha and 
ask her whether the coast is clear.” 

As he spoke he called the old woman. I hesitated for 


222 THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 

a moment, but thinking that she would no doubt tell 
Van Lintz of my visit, I determined to go in myself, and 
whispering to Martha, who stood trembling behind me, 
to go downstairs, I opened the door. 

“ Mr. Huyck ! ” they both exclaimed, the one in a tone 
of surprise, the other with an expression of alarm. 

Pardoi> me, gentlemen,” said I, smiling, “ for disturb- 
ing you. Mrs. Van Bempden has sent me to make some 
preparations for to-morrow’s festivities, and I came into 
this room, little thinking that it was occupied.” 

I confess,” said Van Lintz, “ that my visit here is 
ill-timed.” 

If Mr. Blaek would prefer to retire unobserved,” I 
continued, seeing that he trembled with agitation, “ I will 
with pleasure accompany him part of the way.” 

“You are very kind, Mr. Huyck,” said Blaek, with a 
faltering voice. “I thank you.” 

“ I hope to see you when you return,” said Van Lintz, 
looking at me with his penetrating eyes. 

I bowed and left the room. Mr. Blaek followed me, 
and we both went out by the back door, through the 
garden, which was quite deserted, and entered the forest 
path. I observed that my companion was so intensely 
agitated that he walked with difficulty. I offered him 
my arm, wondering at the strange freak of fate, which 
made me the escort of a man who had thwarted my most 
heartfelt wishes. 

I should have liked to have asked him for an expla- 
nation of the words which I had heard by accident ; but 
the matter was of too delicate a nature to be lightly 
touched on. I perceived that he wished to say some- 
thing, but was at a loss to commence the conversation. 
Several times he opened his mouth as if about to speak, 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


223 


but his tongue seemed to fail him. At length he 
summed up courage, and with a heavy sigh and a faint 
voice he began — 

“I cannot recover from my surprise at seeing Mr. 
Huyck, the son of the high bailiff ... in relation with 
a person, who . . . who . . 

“ Our surprise is mutual, sir,’^ I interrupted him with 
smile. 

“ Oh,” he replied, with a sidelong glance at me, as 
though he wished to discover if I believed him ; ‘‘ with 
me it is a different thing altogether ... I knew him 
formerly, and have done business with him.’’ 

“ My acquaintance with the Baron is of a very recent 
date,” said I ; ‘‘he may, however, be quite at ease ; I 
shall not betray him, and I promise you that I shall not 
make any mention of your visit. I trust that this will 
satisfy you.” 

“ Yes,” said he, evidently pleased with my assurance. 

Meanwhile, I am extremely obliged to you. I am very 
sorry indeed that I was under the necessity of . . . refus- 
ing your honoured proposal . . . but you can understand 
that the happiness of my niece . . .” 

“ You do not think, sir,” I interposed, “ that I 
will acknowledge that your niece can be happy with 
another.” 

“ Not at all,” he resumed, “ I only meant to say . . . 
you see. ... I cannot express myself at present as I 
would wish. In a few years’ time, when she’ll be of age, 
and still free, I may gladly consent ; but just now . . 

“ I will not deny,” said I, “ that when I was on the 
stairs, I heard you refer to a marriage between your 
son and your niece.” 

“You listened!” he exclaimed, trembling and pale 


224 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


with rage as well as with terror; it was very wrong w 
you, sir, although,’’ he added, no doubt reflecting that i 
might have heard more than he liked, and that, there- 
fore, it was best to conciliate me, ‘‘ I cannot blame you 
for it ; you had a right to be somewhat surprised at seeing 
us there. I did not want to tell you just now, not wish- 
ing to give you pain, but the marriage between my son 
and my niece has ever been my heart’s desire ; and I 
flatter myself that it will soon be an accomplished fact.” 

“ It is impossible ! ” I exclaimed, quite taken aback at 
this information. 

‘‘ It is the truth : the young people love each other ; 
and I desire nothing more than their mutual happiness. 
Take my advice, Mr. Huyck, and renounce the idea of 
marrying Harriet. There are plenty of pretty girls in 
the Netherlands more favoured by fortune than my niece. 
But pray, take no more trouble now; I shall find my 
way myself.” 

We had left the farm-house, and as I saw Mr. Blaek’s 
carriage waiting, and found that he no longer required 
my guidance, I took leave of him. 

“ You see,” said Van Lintz, on my return to the 
garret, I have again taken refuge here, as I could not 
find a better place ! ” 

“ I fear that you will not be safe much longer,” 
I replied. ‘‘ You need but put your head out of the 
window and you will perceive that this farm is no longer 
unoccupied ; to-morrow a number of guests will arrive.” 

“ I shall not await their arrival.” 

And do you really think that you will escape unob- 
served? I have no doubt that Heynz will take the most 
active measures for your arrest now that he knows your 
real name.” 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A. 


225 


“ Perliaps ! ’’ he resumed gloomily ; I am playiug 
a game of chess ; it is ten to one that I shall be check- 
mated, and yet, as long as one move is open for me I 
will not give up the game. However, if my persecutors 
are not here before to-morrow, they will run a great 
risk of finding the bird flown,” 

‘‘ Shall you leave this country ? ” 

“ For ever, I hope.” 

And your daughter? ” 

‘‘ She will follow me, I trust,” he replied with a sigh. 

Do you know where she is staying at present ?” 

I do ; and, in due time, pray thank your worthy aunt 
in my name for what she has done for an unfortunate, 
forsaken orphan. As for you, Mr. Huyck, I am greatly 
indebted to you. I know that my daughter and I have 
given you much trouble and inconvenience. I hope one 
day I may be able to render you a service in return.” 

I should have liked to ask him why he was so in- 
terested in Harriet’s marriage with her cousin, but it 
struck me that there svas some secret connected with it 
in which she was involved, and with which I had nothing 
to do. Van Lintz himself helped me out of my difficulty. 

“Did you hear anything of our conversation just 
now ? ” 

“ I have, by accident ; but I was so astonished to see 
you that ...” 

“You need not apologise. And what did you hear?” 

“ Not much, your words were a mystery to me.” 

“ Not much, no ; but something, eh ?” 

“I repeat,” said I, “that ! understood nothing of 
your conversation. I was only astonished to see Mr. 
Blaek, who is haughty enough at other times, so humble 
and confused.” 

5 


P 


226 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


‘‘ It must indeed have been a strange sight fora third 
person,” said Van Lintz, ‘‘to see the wealthy master 
of Guldenhof, the proud Amsterdam merchant, whose 
word is of more importance than the manifestoes of half- 
a-dozen German princes, shake and tremble before a 
wretched wanderer, who has been condemned to death 
in six or seven different States, whom the sleuth-hounds 
of the law are following as though he were a criminal, and 
who can hardly find a spot to lay down his head. But 
the rich Mr. Blaek knows that one word from me would 
be enough to cast him into such abject misery as a poor 
wanderer like myself never has and never shall experi- 
ence. But enough of this, my hand shall not needlessly 
draw aside the veil which conceals his secret; therefore, 
my young friend, forget what you may have heard.” 

“ I wish I could forget all that has occurred during 
the last few weeks,” I replied ; “ but it is getting late, and 
I must go, for my presence here might give rise to sus- 
picions. . . . Pray do not show yourself outside; and, 
if you take my advice, do not even approach too near the 
window ; one might see into this room from the garden ! ” 

We both looked down into the garden, and observed 
the stealthy eyes of Simon the pedlar staring at us from 
behind a low wall. We stepped back and looked at each 
other, and when I again approached the window he 
was gone. 

“ You may be sure,” said I, “ to-morrow, or perhaps 
this evening, the police will be here.” 

“ I recognise that spy,” said Van Lintz ; “ it is the 
same hawker who followed me to Utrecht, and whom 
I deceived. Had it not been for my daughter, I should 
long since have surrendered to those who are seek- 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


227 

“ I trust,” said I on parting, ‘‘ that I may not find you 
here to-morrow.” 

“ I must yield to destiny,” he replied with indifference, 
and shook me cordially by the hand. 

I mounted my horse, and rode back with all speed to 
Heizicht 


{ 228 ) 


XX. 

On the following day many guests, as well as all the 
members uf our own family, arrived at my aunt’s farm- 
house. Mr Blaek and his son were also there, but Har- 
riet sent an apology for her absence on account of a 
slight indisposition, which did not cause me much un- 
easiness, as I well understood its meaning. I could not 
help throwing a furtive look at the house, as though I 
could read on its walls whether the wanderer had success- 
fully escaped. But I did not receive much information 
from that source, and I fruitlessly scanned old Martha’s 
features to see whether they betrayed any signs of emo- 
tion, for her whole attention seemed to be engrossed by 
the festive preparations. 

The company were all in a large marquee in the 
garden, when one of the servant* approached my father 
and whispered something in his ear. He frowned, and 
immediately rose from the table. 

‘‘ Has anything happened ? ” asked Aunt Louisa, while 
my mother gave him an anxious glance. 

“ I shall be back directly,” he replied ; don’t trouble 
yourselves about me,” and he left the tent. 

I gazed after him uneasily, for an inward voice told 
me that my father’s absence was in some way con- 
nected with the arrest of Van Lintz. This supposition 
was confirmed when, a moment afterwards, the same 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 229 

servant came to tell me that the high-bailiff desired my 
presence. 

I found him in company with another gentleman, who 
was the bailiff of Naarden, as I afterwards learned. At 
his side stood Heynz, who seemed to be greatly agitated. 

‘‘ Sir,’^ said my father to me, frowning, can you tell 
me where the person is with whom you yesterday had an 
interview in the farmhouse?’^ 

“ The gentleman to whom I presume you allude I met 
here quite by accident,’’ I answered, as I had a message 
from my aunt to Martha. I do not know wher’e he is 
gone to.” 

“ I tell your honour that he is still here,” said Heynz ; 
‘‘ all my men, who have been watching in the neigh- 
bourhood, declare that they have not seen him leave. 
If I had but suspected who that Mr. Van BeverenTeally 
was . . . but who could have imagined such a thing? To 
think that the man whom we have so long sought lived 
in my own house for a fortnight ! Cest hien emhttant ! 
But he must and shall be found.” 

‘‘ Exactly ; if he has not yet gone, he must be here 
still. VVhat do you think, Mr. Huyck ? ” remarked the 
bailiff of Naarden. 

“ I quite agree with you,” said my father in reply to 
this most logical conclusion ; “and I think we had better 
search the farmhouse a^ain, while the constables guard 
all the places of exit.” 

We began a minute search of every. room in the place, 
including, of course, the attic where on the previous day 
1 had seen the Count. Closets, larders, cellars, and 
pantries were all ransacked, even the beds were exa- 
mined, but to no purpose ; the bird had flown, and we 
returned to the garden. As for old Martha, although at 


230 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


first taken aback by our abrupt intrusion, she retained 
her presence of mind wonderfully. 

“ Ferdinand, said my father, ‘‘ when are you going 
to tell me why you take such an interest in the Count 
of Talavera ? Why you are continually in his company? 
Perhaps you have even now assisted him in his escape ! ” 

I thought the time for speaking had come, and that a 
straightforward account of the whole affair might perhaps 
be of service to the Count. 

We have always met by accident,’’ said I ; ‘‘ but 
you could not expect me to betray a man who has saved 
my life?” 

Saved your life ! When ? ” 

“ I will tell you ; ” and I was about to give my father 
an account of what had occurred, when my aunt was 
seen coming towards us, followed by the rest of the 
guests, alarmed at our long absence and at the presence 
of the police. 

‘‘ What is the matter ? ” inquired my aunt. 

My father replied — 

‘‘Baron Van Lintz, whom you may recollect, slept 
here yesterday, and has done so before, if I am not mis- 
taken.” 

“ Yes,” said Martha, answering my aunt’s scrutinising 
glance, “ he has been here, and his daughter too ; and 
now, thank Heaven ! they are gone, and at liberty, as I 
hope. And look here, madam, I’m an old woman, you 
may send me away from the farm and let me wander 
about the streets if you like, but I couldn’t do otherwise 
than I have done. Would you be so inhuman to drive 
away a man whom you have nursed when he comes to 
you and says, ‘Mother Martha, the police is after me, 
and I cannot find a safe refuge ’ ? ” 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


231 


There is something in that. I cannot imagine that 
my farmhouse has been dishonoured by the visit of a 
Spanish Grandee. What has become of poor Vati 
Lintz ? And is it really his daughter who is staying with 
you, sister ? ” asked aunt Van Bempden. 

“She need not suffer for her father^s errors, and I 
flatter myself that she has found a more suitable refuge 
in my house than at Heynz's,” replied aunt Lina. 

“There at least she shall not be annoyed by rude 
visitors,” remarked my father, with a look at Louis 
Blaek, who stepped back in astonishment. 

“ What ! ” he exclaimed, “was that young lady . . . ? ” 
He did not finish the sentence, as he was aware that the 
manner in which he had formed her acquaintance did 
not do him much credit. 

“ Your honour,” said Heynz, drawing iny father 
aside, “ I have once more questioned everybody ; they 
saw no one leave except Mr. Blaek’s coachman with the 
carriage ! ” 

“ The carriage is near here, in the village of Huizen,” 
whispered my father. “ Mr. Blaek and the Count are old 
acquaintances.” 

With this my father stepped aside with his colleague, 
in order to decide upon the measures to be taken, after 
which the latter retired, whilst Heynz and the police left 
soon after. This incident, however, marred the pleasures 
of the company. My aunt, thinking that a change of 
scene could alone put the minds of her guests at rest, 
gave orders for the horses to be harnessed. Whilst the 
ladies were engaged in preparing for the return journey 
to Heizicht, I told my father the story of my acquaint- 
ance with the Count. 

“If you have done wrong,” said he when I had finished, 


232 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


‘‘you have been sufficiently punished by the misunden 
standings from which you have suffered during the last 
few weeks. I will not reproach you: your position was 
a difficult one ; and stronger heads than yours would 
have succumbed. Now, let us drop the subject’’ 

The next moment Mr. Blaek’s carriage returned. I 
saw the old gentleman make a slight gesture to the 
coachman, who replied to it with a nod ; and this con- 
firmed me in my suspicion how the Count made his 
escape. 

We now drove back to Heizicht, and sat down to 
dinner. Scarcely was our meal concluded, when Van 
Baalen, my partner, unexpectedly made his appearance, 
and brought me news of a very unpleasant nature. One 
of our brigs, the “Fortune,” had been caught in a gale, 
and was wrecked on the coast of the island of Ter- 
schelling. The crew was saved, and the cargo unshipped, 
but the vessel was said to be a total wreck. As this 
might involve us in a serious loss, I resolved to leave for 
Terschelling the following day at an early hour, to see 
if I could be of assistance to Captain Pulver in unship- 
ping and reloading the cargo. 

My father also received a parcel from Amsterdam, 
which contained, besides some papers for himself, a letter 
from Amelia for Aunt Lina, in which she warmly thanked 
her for her kindness, and informed her that she had 
joined her father, and was going to leave the United 
Provinces with him for ever. She apologised for leaving 
so abruptly, and prayed her not to ascribe her behaviour 
to a want of gratitude, as she had been compelled to 
start at once. 

“ ‘ She girded up her loins and departed,’ ” said Aunt 
Lina; “but I say, the Lord hath blessed her departure, 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


233 


for she follows her father, whom she is bound to honour 
and obey, although he is a son of Belial, full of iniquity 
and injustice.” 

All this was not calculated to revive the fast-waning 
cheerfulness of the guests. Mr. Blaek and his son were 
especially silent, arid it seemed to me as though it was 
a relief to them both when their carriage was announced. 
Soon after my partner and I also left for Amsterdam. 


( 234 ) 


XXI. 

Next day I rose early, and, having received my partner’s 
instructions, I took leave of my family and got on board 
the sailing packet for Harlingen. As we were putting off 
from the wharf, I was astonished to see Lucas Helding 
come rushing to the quay. 

‘‘ Hallo ! ’’ I exclaimed, when he stepped on board, 
‘‘what are you doing here, friend Helding? You would 
have been the very last man whom I should have ex- 
pected as my fellow-traveller.” 

“ Is it possible ? ” he cried, “ Mr. Huyck ! well this is 
a pleasant surprise I Are you also going to Harlingen, 
sir, if I may ask ? ” 

“I am going farther than Harlingen,” I answered. 
“ But what drives you to the coast of Friesland?” 

“The object of my journey is a sad one, sir; but I 
cannot explain it here.” 

As he spoke he looked significantly around him at the 
passengers walking about on deck. Afterwards, when 
we had left Amsterdam, and nearly all had gone below, he 
confided the object of his voyage to me. It appeared that 
the inquiries set on foot by Heynz, by my father’s orders, 
had at length met with some success, for Helding had 
been informed that his daughter Clara lived at Harlin- 
gen, as servant in a tavern of no very great repute. As 
soon as Helding heard this he quickly resolved to make 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 235 

the voyage and endeavour to fetch back the stray sheep* 
It was touching to see how, on the one hand, he shud- 
dered with shame at the thought of a meeting with her 
who had dishonoured his irreproachable name ; and, on 
the other, how anxious he was to see her again, and, if 
possible, to take her back with him. 

Oh 1 ” said he, I know very w'ell, Mr. Huyck, 
that she has sinned ; but still she is my daughter, my 
child, the sole inheritance of her departed mother. 
Thank Heaven, the dear woman did not live to see the 
shame of her child, although if she had lived she would 
perhaps have prevented her from straying from the path 
of virtue. Oh ! perhaps it is chiefly my own fault. I 
loved the child too much to make her any reproaches. 
If I could only once more have her with me she would 
improve, and happy days might yet be in store for us 

About seven o’clock in the evening Ave landed at 
Harlingen. As I had nothing better to do, I went with 
Holding to the authorities. We were informed that a girl 
and a sailor had left the town three days ago, and, pro- 
bably, had gone to the island of Terschelling. 

If that be true, Helding,” said I, “you need not yet 
despair, as I am going to Terschelling myself; you can 
make the voyage with me.” 

“ Oh,” answered Holding gloomily, “ I fear it will be 
to no purpose ; . . . but still I gratefully accept your 
kind offer ; . . . for, you see, I was not prepared for 
such a long voyage, and I do not think that my money 
would suffice to pay for much farther travelling.” 

The following morning, at the appointed hour, we were 
on board a fishing smack, and towards noon we came 
in sight of the island of Terschelling, It was one of 
those fine w'arm days frequently met with in the begin- 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


236 

ning of September, and although the wind was still 
blowino: from the north, there were sufficient signs 
that we should have more favourable weather than we 
had hitherto experienced. The .village of West Ter- 
schelling looked very picturesque in the distance, its 
lofty steeple, and bright red roofs, shaded by luxuriant 
linden trees, standing out in bold relief against the white 
downs ; while a number of pilot and fishing-boats, which 
were entering and quitting the harbour, lent much anima- 
tion to the scene. To the north-west, between the far 
protruding sandbanks, lay a wreck, deprived of masts 
and rigging, in which, with some difficulty, I recognised 
our unfortunate ‘‘ Fortune.” 

On arriving in the harbour, we saw on the quay 
and the pier a large number of the juvenile population 
staring at us with rustic curiosity. But I soon discovered 
a few adults amongst the crowd, one of whom I asked 
where I could find Captain Pulver. 

“Show these gentlemen the way to Jack Reynzen’s,’’ 
said the man to a boy near him, who, after another 
inquisitive look, took the sandy path leading to the 
village. 

We followed our guide, escorted by the entire youth 
of the place. Some of them ran forward and announced 
our arrival to the villagers, so that we soon beheld Cap- 
tain Pulver himself coming to meet us. 

“Well, master,” he exclaimed, on seeing me, “that is 
a nasty piece of business! I am very sorry for the old 
ship, but it is nobody’s fault, for we have had ugly weather, 
and we may bless our stars that no lives are lost. Mean- 
while, master, I am glad to see you well.” 

“And how about the ship and the cargo?” I asked 
“ Is there much damage done?” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


237 


“ Most of the cargo is saved/^ answered Pulver ; “ but 
you may give tlie ship up altogether, I tell you : she is 
gradually vyorking deeper and deeper into the sand, and 
although you still can see her to-day, to-morrow there 
won’t be a stick of her left. But who is that gentleman, 
if I may ask ? ” he inquired, pointing to Holding. 

I briefly introduced him, and we all marched off to 
the abode of Jack Reynzen, who, besides being an inn- 
keeper, was also sheriff, and was therefore one of the 
most important personages of the island. A rubicund 
wooden figure, with fat red cheeks and a blue beard, 
which, according to the lines painted underneath, repre- 
sented Father Neptune, adorned the front of his house, 
and seemed, in its stooping attitude, to invite the passers- 
by to enter and taste Reynzen’s brandy, while the words 
^good lodgings’ written over the. door, bore conclusive 
testimony to the utility of this active islander. 

Reynzen was a man of about sixty, but still strong 
and vigorous, with a ruddy complexion, and small crafty 
grey eyes. He welcomed us with exceeding politeness, 
which, however, somewhat abated when Pulver told 
him that I was the owner of the stranded vessel. “1 
could easily gather from the manner in which he looked 
at me that he was endeavouring to ascertain to what 
extent he could overcharge me for warehousing the 
cargo of the Fortune.” However, his features bright- 
ened again when I ordered lodgings for myself and 
Helding. No doubt he thought that he might easily 
win back as host what he lost as storekeeper through 
my arrival. He offered us pipes, and began a conversa- 
tion which soon had the effect of drawing Pulver from his 
corner in ordei to tell his tale of shipwreck. 

A thin, withered little man now appeared, offering a 


238 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


curious contrast to Reynzen’s powerful figure. He was 
not attired in frieze, like the other villagers, and his coat 
and hat, though of old-fashioned make, spoke of a main- 
land origin. His features, marked by the smallpox, were 
far from captivating; while the. curling lip and dilated 
nostrils seemed to denote that his organ of self-esteem 
was exceedingly well developed. 

Hillo, bailiff, is that you?” said Reynzen. “ These 
are gentlemen from Amsterdam, who have come here to 
arrange about the ‘ Fortune,’ and,” turning to us, he 
said ; this gentleman is Mr. Doedes, the bailiff.” 

I rose and bowed to the dignitary, who, having 
briefly acknowledged my salute, turned to Reynzen, 
and began to converse in the following disjointed 
phraseology : — 

“No smoking ... no time . . . visit patients . . . 
council assembled . . . how is the patient?” 

“ Not too well,” replied Reynzen ; “ I wish she had 
stayed away.” 

“Is any one ill here?” I asked. 

“Yes, a young woman from the mainland; the 
doctor does not think much about the case either.” With 
this he pointed to the individual, who appeared to be 
a physician as well as deputy-bailiff. 

“ From the mainland ? ” I repeated ; “ and when did she 
arrive ? ” 

“ Only three days since ; I believe from Harlingen.” 

Holding turned deadly pale, and looked in turns at 
myself and the host. 

“ And what’s her name ? ” 

“The fellow who is with her — her husband, as I hope 
— calls her Clara ; that is all I know about it.” 

“Oh, my daughter ! my Clara !” cried Helding, as the 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 239 

tears gushed from his eyes. “ Where is she ? Oh take 
me to her.^^ 

“ Be calm, my dear Helding,’’ said I ; you hear that 
she is ill ; your unexpected appearance might produce 
unfavourable consequences. What does the doctor 
think 

“Hemp’ said he; “inflammation of brain . . . bile 
. . . delirious ... no excitement . . . absUncntia et 
quiesF 

I asked the doctor’s permission to go and visit the 
patient with him, and promised Holding to tell him how 
his daughter was. 

A man, with his back turned towards us, was seated 
at the bedside of the sick woman, holding her hand 
in his, whilst his head rested against the wainscot. 
On our approach he looked up, and I recognised — 
not quite unexpectedly — Sander Gerritz, otherwise Black 
Peter. 

“ Make room,” said the doctor; “been asleep . . .? 
Still delirious ? ” 

“ She is calmer, but very weak,” observed Sander, 
with a sigh. “ She is quite unconscious, and has not said 
a word to me yet;” then, recognising me, he uttered my 
name, quite amazed. 

“ Come here, and make room for the doctor,” said I. 

The doctor felt the patient’s pulse. Meanwhile I took 
Sander aside, and told him in a whisper that her father 
had come. 

“ Good Heavens, this too !” said he, covering his face 
with his hands. 

“ Is she able to see him 

“ What would be the use of it ? She knows no one— 


not even me. 


240 THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 

‘‘Fever abated,” said the doctor, rising; “calmer 
. . . meliora sympt07nata . . . drink barley-water . . . 
lemon juice . . . send medicine . . . come again to- 
morrow . . 

“Is it possible!” cried Sander, with relief; “is she 
really somewhat better?” 

“ Still weak . . . take wine . . . beef-tea ... write 
prescription.” As he spoke he produced a pen and 
paper from his pocket, and sat down to write his pre- 
scription. 

“ Clara,” said Sander, stooping over the bed, “ don’t 
you know me?” 

At these words the patient lifted up her head and 
looked about her. Her features were still handsome and 
regular, but the wan cheeks and the red marks under the 
eyes and along the nose showed that a dissipated life, 
rather than illness, was the cause of the premature decay 
of her former charms. 

“Where am I?” she inquired in a faint voice, putting 
her hand to her forehead. “ How did I get here ? I 
have been very ill, 1 believe, but I am better now ; I 
should like something to drink.” 

“ Here,” said Sander, as he handed her a cup. “ Do 
you really feel better, my darling ? ” 

“ Ah ! are you here, Sander ? ” she resumed. “ That is 
right ; but how did I get here ? I have suffered much . . . 
but ’tis strange, I feel no pain whatever now.” 

In spite of the doctor’s assertion, I did not agree with 
him in his sanguine hopes for her recovery. The cessa- 
tion of all pain, and the dull, glassy eyes, seemed to me 
no very reassuring symptoms, and I began to fear that 
Helding would soon lose his daughter for ever. 

“Who is that gentleman ?” she asked, pointing to me. 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


241 


I considered this a fit opportunity for preparing 
her for her father’s visit, so I checked Sander in his 
reply. 

“I have come from Amsterdam,” said I, “with a 
message from a gentleman who loves you sincerely.” 

“A gentleman in Amsterdam . . . who loves me!” 
she repeated, with an expression of anguish. “ Who is 
there in Amsterdam that loves me ! O God ! there was 
once one who told me so . . . but he was a villain . . . 
he was the cause of all my misery.” 

“He of whom I speak,” I continued, “has always 
striven for your welfare. Just think; is there no one 
in Amsterdam whom you are bound in duty to love and 
honour ?” 

“ What ! ” she exclaimed, “ do you come from my 
father . . . from my father ? ” 

“ Do you feel strong enough to see your father if he 
were here?” I replied. 

“My father! Here? O Heaven! let me ask his 
forgiveness and die. Oh ! but that is impossible.” 

“ It is not impossible,” said I ; while at the same 
moment the doctor returned, followed by Pulver and 
Helding, who trembled so violently that he could hardly 
stand on his legs. 

' “Where is she? Where is my child?” cried the old 
man, as with outstretched arms he entered the room. 
She was sitting half upright in bed, and it was with great 
difficulty that Sander prevented her from leaping out and 
throwing herself at her father’s feet. Helding embraced 
her passionately and sobbed aloud. 

“ Forgive me, father,” war> all she could utter, whilst 
Sander, overpowered with emotion, hid his face in his 
hands. 

5 


Q 


242 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


Shiver my timbers,” said Pulver, wiping away a 
tear. I would sooner sit all through a stormy night in 
the topgallant yard than witness such a scene.” 

“ Calm yourself, my darling,” said Helding with a 
trembling voice. “ Thank God that I have seen you 
once more ; we shall forget the past and only think of 
the future ; mind you soon get better, then you shall go 
with me to Amsterdam, and we will live quietly together, 
as we did of old.” 

“ No, father,” she replied sadly, ‘‘ that will never be. 
I know that I shall not live much longer. Oh ! little did 
I expect the undeserved blessing of seeing again my 
father before my death, and of receiving his forgiveness. 
Alas ! ” she continued, looking at him, “ your hair was 
not grey when I left you. It is f who have caused you 
such sorrow ! But, father dear, say , a kind word to 
Sander ; he found me at Harlingen, and, in spite of all 
my faults, loves me still; he has not forsaken me in my 
illness, but has nursed me tenderly and affectionately.” 

“ Sander Gerritz ! ” cried Helding with amazement, 
when the former looked him sadly in the face. 

“ Sander ! ” repeated Pulver, no less astonished. 

What the deuce . . . ! ” 

Here he became silent, as I beckoned him not to 
interfere. 

‘‘ My dear Mr. Helding,” observed Sander, you 
know that I always loved Clara. I would gladly make 
her my wife now, in spite of everything ; but Mr. Huyck 
knows that I cannot remain here, because ... in 
sliort, it is better for her to return with you ’ to Am- 
sterdam.” 

‘‘ My child,” said Helding, ‘‘ come home with me ; 
“I know some influential patrons who will not forsake 


l^HE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


243 

us. There is the worthy Mr. Huyck .... there is Mr. 
Blaek . . .” 

Blaek . . . ! Blaek . . .1’’ repeated Clara, while 
an expression or loathing clouded her features ; ‘‘ rather 
would I suffer the most abject misery than accept aid 
from one who bears the name of Blaek . . T 

“ What ! cried Helding ; ‘‘ what have the Blaeks done 
to you ? ” 

“ Oh ! do not talk about them,” resumed Clara. 

Louis Blaek was the author of my disgrace I While 
Sander was at sea, he induced me to leave my dear, good 
father. He forsook me in my shame and misery, and 
when I dared not return to you, he forced me to . . . 

0 Heavens ! ” 

‘‘And why did you not return to me?” asked Held- 
ing; “did you not know that my heart yearned for 
you ? ” 

“Louis Blaek!” muttered Sander, “was he the 
scoundrel? Oh! that I had him here at this moment 
to repay him for his villany.” 

“I was too ashamed to return,” said .Clara; “and 
so I sank from bad to worse . . . and now I must die, 
so young, and by my own fault ! But I have been for- 
given by those whom I have injured most — by my 
father and by my dear Sander ; and that gives me com- 
fort. Do- not cry, Sander ! ’tis better thus. When, at 
your request, I left Harlingen, I was still anticipating 
the happiness of living with you ; but now I know that 

1 was not worthy of being your wife ; and I should only 
have brought shame upon my father's house—my death 
will be better for me, and for you too.” 

“Come! you must not talk thus,” said Helding; “am 
I right, doctor ? ” 


244 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


“ You are certainly ri^it,’’ replied he, as he pul back 
a bundle of papers into his pocket-book ; ‘‘ she won’t 
die — get better — not so much \.dSk—femina animal loquax 
— too much fatigue — Hm ! strange — Sander Gerritz — 
heard the name before — hm ! — letter from burgomaster 
— pirate — burglaries — cannot find — must be at home 
— hm 1 ” 

The latter part of this speech he muttered half in- 
audibly, so that most of those present, who were busy 
with the patient, did not catch the words. 

‘‘ Come,” he resumed, “ too many persons here — 
rest necessary — I am going too — much to do — prepare 
physic — examine archives — visit patients — two farmers 
— broken arms — write to burgomaster — going.” 

He retired, and I did the same, as well as Piilver. 
We were soon joined by Sander, who evidently wished to 
leave father and child to themselves for awhile. When 
we had reached the garden, Pulver began — 

Now you won’t deny that you are Sander Gerritz, 
and that I saw you at Mrs. Van Bempden’s villa?” 

“ No, certainly not, captain,” answered Sander, offer- 
ing him his hand. 

“ Be on your guard,” I said, drawing him aside. ‘‘ The 
doctor is also deputy-bailiff ; as far as I can make out 
from his words, it seems that he has received informa- 
tion about you, and I am afraid that this island *is no safe 
refuge for you.” 

I shall not leave this spot until Clara is better,” 
said Sander; “and as for Master Doedes, I am not very 
much afraid of him; I have a little remedy at hand 
which will silence him.” 

After awhile Reynzen, Pulver, and myself left the 
inn to take a walk on the sands, and to arrange our 


THE COUNT OF TA LAV ERA. 


245 


affairs together. What with Reynzen’s charges for ware- 
housing, his commission as an agent, and the amount 
of percentage for salvage, I was utterly disgusted; but 
in the end I was obliged to grant almost everything that 
he asked ; and it was finally agreed that Captain Holm- 
feld, who commanded the Danish vessel ‘‘ Kjobenhavn,^' 
lying at anchor in the harbour, should carry the cargo of 
the ill-fated Fortune to Denmark. 


( 24b ) 


XXIL 

On returning to the inn, Helding stated that his 
daughter’s condition had not improved, and that she 
seemed to grow weaker every moment. Sander, who 
had been summoned before the bailiff, had come back, 
and did not leave her bedside, while Reynzen’s wife 
and daughter stayed with her in turns. 

Although a room had been prepared for Helding, he 
naturally preferred to spend the night with his daughter. 
As for myself, after having taken some supper, I retired 
with Pulver to an apartment where two bedsteads 
facing each other were placed for our accommoda- 
tion. But I was not permitted to enjoy an undisturbed 
repose, for scarcely had I crept under the blankets 
when loud sounds of talking, swearing, and singing 
afforded me the unpleasant assurance that my bedstead 
was exactly adjoining the taproom, from which I was 
only separated by a very thin partition. Among the 
noisy voices there was one which it seemed tb me 
that I had heard before, although I failed to recollect 
when or where. All this kept me awake, and I could 
not help envying Pulver who, being placed in a less 
noisy corner, lay snoring most sonorously. However, 
as I thought that those uproarious guests would not 
remain there all night, I patiently resolved to i?wait their 
departure. 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


247 


And, indeed, gradually they all went away, and I 
heard Reynzen bid them good-night. Only the one 
whose voice seemed familiar to me remained, and him 
I now heard inquiring — 

^‘ Well? Is not that fellow in the frieze jacket still 
here ? I mean the chap who brought that pale-faced girl 
along with him ! ’’ 

‘^Yes,” answered Reynzen; but I don^t think he 
will attend to you just now, for the girl is very ill I 
don’t imagine she’ll live till morning !” 

‘‘ The deuce ! Tell him that Andrew wants to speak 
to him.” 

Andrew ! ” I repeated to myself. I now wondered 
no longer that the voice was familiar to me. I sat up- 
right in bed, and determined not to lose a single word of 
what would follow. 

“Well, ril call him,” said the host; “but R doubt 
whether he’ll come.” 

With this Reynzen left. It was not long before I 
heard the door open again, and some one entered the 
taproom. 

“What do you want?” asked a man, and I recognised 
the voice of Sander. 

“What do I’ want? Well, that’s nice ! Did we not 
make an appointment to meet in this place ? For what 
other reason did you' come here then ? ” 

“It is true,” answered Sander, with a deep sigh, “but 
I have been discovered. I have been summoned before 
the bailiff ...” 

“ Well, and he let you off again ; what did he 
want?” 

“ He told me that he had received orders for my 
arrest ; but added that this island was of old a place of 


248 THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 

refuge for those who wished to live a quiet life, and who 
could offer a surety that they would keep the peace.” 

“ Hang it 1 ” said Andrew, we might stand security 
for each other ! ” 

“ I handed him a certain sum as bail,” resumed Sander, 
‘‘ and we parted friends.” 

‘‘ The deuce,” said Andrew. “ I should also like to 
give him such a security ; but I must get the necessary 
money first, so we must take counsel together to find 
some.” 

No, thank you,” said Sander, ‘^my account is heavy 
enough as it is ; and I don’t want to increase it.” 

Eh ! ” cried Anckew; “ has the fellow turned childish ? 
Here, sit down, Sander, and drown all those qualms in 
a glass of brandy ! ” 

There was a moment’s silence. I heard chairs being 
moved to the other side of the partition. 

“ Old boy ! ” continued Andrew, there is such a fine 
chance for us. That warehouse ... I have had a peep 
inside . . . with one kick the door is smashed ... it, 
is full of tea, splendid stuff, man, and no mistake ; and 
Joey lies in the harbour with his boat. In a whiff the 
whole lot will be on board, and no one will suspect us ! ” 

‘‘No, that shall not be done,” said Sander ; Huyck 
is a good sort of fellow, the tea belongs to him, and I 
sliall not allow any one to touch his' property ! ” 

“ Huyck, did you say ? Huyck ? ” asked Andrew, evi- 
dently surprised. 

“ The son of the high bailiff of Amsterdam ! ” replied 
Sander ; “ he arrived yesterday, and is staying in this 
inn.” 

“ The deuce ! In this case I shall have a double 
pleasure in the business. I have an old account to settle 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 249 

with that confounded numskull ; and if I can annoy him, 
in one way or another, I’ll not lose the chance ! ” 

“You shall,” said Sander, ‘‘or we’ll become bad 
friends ! ” 

“Well then, something else; I am not going to be 
moored along here. As for that Master Doedes, I trust him 
about as much as I would a rotten plank. When he has 
got our bail into his clutches he will have no more 
scruple to surrender us to the authorities as I have to 
drink this glass of brandy. Look here, I know of a good 
trick to help us out of our trouble. This evening a hooker 
has cast anchor in the harbour, and she won’t put to 
sea for a few days. Now, what do you say to paying her a 
visit? Then we could take a trip on our own account !” 

“ Look here, Andrew,” said Sander, “ I came here, ’tis 
true, to arrange our. affairs with you and the other com- 
rades, but I have since altered my mind. You can do 
as you like, and I shall not hinder you in the least, but 
don’t rely upon my assistance ! ” 

“ What the deuce do you mean ? Are you converted, 
or have you made your fortune ? And now that we want 
your help you would betray us, eh?” 

“ I tell you again that I won’t betray you ; let that 
suffice. The reason why I will not again put myself at 
your head does not concern you. I won’t do it, and 
there is an end of the matter.” 

“ It’s that confounded minx, who has talked you 
into this ! ” said Andrew angrily ; “ she is a nice one, 
too ! But how the deuce can I take such a message to 
our comrades ? They will never believe me. And what 
are you going to do afterwards? I suppose you’ve 
turned spy now? ” 

“Nevermind what I am going to do, that is my business. 


250 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


I have heard what you had to say, and I wish you good 
evening ! I can’t waste any more time now ; farewell ! ” 

With this I heard him rise from his chair. 

“ But, hang it ! Is it Black Peter who speaks, or is it 
his ghost?” asked Andrew, following him half-way out 
of the room. “ Just think — a brand new vessel and a 
rich cargo! I suppose you feel rather qualmish now, 
because that girl is ill ; but just think about it, and when 
you’ve made up your mind give me a hint. We shall 
remain at anchor meanwhile ...” 

Here his voice sank to a low whisper, and I could 
distinguish no more. It appeared, however, that Sander 
made no satisfactory reply, for at length I heard Andrew 
exclaim — 

“You won’t then? Well, go and hang yourself!” 

The next moment I heard him go out and slam the 
street door after him, while Sander also retired. 

I thought the matter over. From what I had heard 
I considered it not improbable that Andrew and his 
comrades intended to surprise the Danish vessel and 
seize it, but I was somewhat reassured by the idea that 
they would not venture upon such a step without the co- 
operation of Sander. Meanwhile I felt it my duty to 
inform the captain of the “ Kjobenhavn,” as well as the 
authorities of Terschelling, of the scheme, and I re- 
gretted that I had been unable to ascertain where the 
scoundrels were hiding. For a long time these thoughts 
kept me awake, until at length fatigue overpowered me 
and I fell into a slumber. When I awoke the sun was 
shining brightly. I saw that Pulver’s bed was empty; 
I rose, dressed with the utmost speed, and hurried down 
to the taproom. But I perceived neither Pulver or 
Reynzen, but only the landlady. 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 251 

“Do you want my husband and the captain, sir?^* 
she asked. “ They went to the warehouse three hours 
ago. They did not want to disturb you, for you were so 
sound asleep.’’ 

“ Do they imagine that I have come to Terschelling to 
sleep ? ” I remarked, somewhat annoyed.' 

I paid Clara Helding a brief visit; she was sinking 
fast. I begged her father to order anything which he 
might think desirable for her comfort; then, taking Sander 
aside, I asked to speak to him privately. 

“ I heard your conversation with Andrew last night,” 
I remarked as soon as we were alone. 

He blushed and cast down his eyes for a moment. 

“ Well,” he replied, raising his head with some dignity, 
“ then you have heard that I know how to appreciate 
your kindness.” 

“ I have; and I thank you for the gallant manner in 
which you battled for my tea. I pity you, poor fellow ! 
you desire to enter upon another career, but you are at a 
loss how to commence it, is it not so ? ” 

“ Oh, dear sir ! ” said Sander, shaking his head sorrow- 
fully ; “ you think better of me than I deserve. When I 
landed on this island, it was not with the idea of becoming 
another and a better man. ’Tis true, I loathed the life 
which I had lately led, for I was not born to be a common 
highwayman. No ; the roving life on the West Indian 
seas was more to my liking; and yet, I should never 
have even taken to it if Don Manuel’s example had not 
encouraged me. It was he who fired my dormant 
imagination. What I had hitherto thought sinful and 
unprincipled, he taught me to look upon as noble and 
elevating. *To follow him, to fight by his side on the 
ocean, and to carry death and desolation in my path. 


2C^2 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


had become a merit and a delight in my eyes ; and ii 
already it seemed to me a high privilege to command 
his crew as lieutenant, how infinitely more proud was I 
when, on his departure, I was appointed captain ! I 
knew that my actions were unlawful, and that death 
would be my inevitable punishment when once I should 
fall into the hands of justice \ but, on the other hand, I 
was powerful, and more independent than an admiral, 
for he may be the first man of the fleet, but he only 
commands bv the authority of the States-General. Well, 
T wanted to lead again such a lire, and win back for 
myself such a high rank. I wished Clara to share my 
fortunes, for in spite of her faithlessness, in spite of all 
that has occurred, I still loved her. ' It was for this 
reason that I summoned Andrew and his comrades 
here ; for I wanted as soon as possible to seize upon a 
good seaworthy vessel, and once in the open seas, I 
would again have found my way to the Lake of Mara- 
caibo and to my old companions.^’ 

“ And so,” said I, “ to carry out your criminal, detest- 
able wishes, you would coolly have massacred the crew 
of the vessel which you intended lo seize ? ” 

“That is all past now,” continued Sander, without 
taking heed of my question. ‘‘ I have seen Clara, I have 
witnessed her suffering and her remorse; I felt I was yet 
too soft-hearted to — pardon me — to play a part which re- 
quires a heart of steel. I have dismissed the idea, and I 
know well enough that my comrades will not venture 
upon the scheme without me. They’ll soon separate; and 
Heaven grant that I may never hear from them again.” 

And what are your further intentions ? ” 

‘‘ Can I think of the future while Clara lies on her 
deathbed ? ” he asked somewhat reproachfully. 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


253 


“Yes, you should do so/’ I replied; “you ought to 
better yourself, and that as soon as possible. Leave this 
country, where you can no longer live an honest life; 
the world is before you. Go to Russia ; smart seafaring 
fellows like yourself are received with open arms there; 
go and offer your services, and if you do not attain a 
high position, you may at least occupy one of which you 
need never feel ashamed. 

“ I shall think of it ; but do not ask me to come to 
any decision at present. I must first close Clara’s eyes, 
then perhaps . . . Heaven bless you, Mr. Huyck.” 

He turned away and retired to the sickroom, whilst 
I went to the quay, and saw Captain Pulver puffing 
and blowing as he ran to and fro hurriedly, and giving 
the sailors his orders for the loading of the tea. 

On my approach he asked me if I would like to make 
a short stay on board the “ Kjobenhavn,” “ for there is 
not much to be seen here,” he said, “ and Captain Holm- 
feld is a nice man, wLo will give us a hearty welcome, 
and then you can recommend him the tea yourself.” 

I readily agreed to this proposal, and in a very short 
time Pulver and I arrived at the harbour where the 
Danish vessel lay at anchor. 1 saw Captain Holmfeld 
awaiting us on deck, and beside him stood two persons 
wrapped in cloaks, whose features I could not discern. 

We were well receive f by the square-built Danish 
captain, who asked me in good Dutch to stay and dine 
with him, as he was not going till the next day. 

“ By the by, captain,” said I, “ you have some passen- 
gers on board, I think ; where are they ? I trust they are 
not afraid of us.” 

“ No,” remarked Pulver, “ we won’t eat them.” 

“They are in the cabin,” said Holmfeld, “and seem 


254 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


to be nice people, but rather shy of strange faces. We 
will invite them to take a cup of coffee with us. Here, 
Mat, just run down and ask the lady and gentleman to 
honour us with their company. Tell them that there 
are no strangers on board except the captain of the ‘ For- 
tune,’ and Mr. Huyek.” 

We retired to the forecastle to drink some coffee, and 
scarcely bad Pulver filled his pipe when the door was 
opened and I beheld — Amelia and her father ! I was 
rather taken aback; my astonishment at their unexpected 
appearance was, however, not so great as it had been on 
former occasions. I think that I was already getting accus- 
tomed to such surprises. Not knowing whether their real 
names and conditions were known to the captain, I 
simply bowed. But though I was silent and on my guard, 
there was none of our company upon whom the sight of 
the new arrivals created so great an impression as on 
Pulver. The captain scarcely beheld them when he took 
such a leap from the bench on which he was seated, that 
his pipe fell to the ground broken to atoms, strewing the 
deck with tobacco and hot ashes, and he stood staring 
before him in blank amazement. 

‘‘Shiver my timbers!’’ he cried at length. “Am I 
right or am I wrong ? ” 

“Do you know each other?” asked Holmfeld. 

“I know this gentleman,” said Van Lintz, quite 
coolly ; and, approaching me, he shook my hand. 

“ But . . resumed Pulver, “ I could swear to 
it . . . and yet it is hardly possible ... If I did not 
know that we were really lying off Terschelling, on 
board the ship ‘ City of Kjobenhavn,’ Captain Holmfeld, 
I should fancy that we weie off the Antilles, and that I 
had seen your face before.” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 255 

That is probable enough,” said Van Lintz very 
quietly; ‘^but I cannot say that I remember you.” 

‘‘ I am Captain Pulver, at your service — formerly in the 
service of the West India Company, at present sailing 
for Messrs. Van Baalen & Co. — and so your honour has 
bidden farewell to the craft ? Well, you were right ; there 
was very little credit to be got out of it.” 

Amelia trembled with fear, and looked in turns at 
her father and myself with a supplicating glance. Van 
Lintz, however, resumed with his former coolness — 

‘‘ I do not understand you. My name is Bos ; and I 
have never been in the Antilles.” 

Your memory deceives you. Captain Pulver,” said I ; 
‘‘I know this gentleman very well; and the likeness 
which you see to the person of whom you speak can be 
neither flattering nor pleasant to him.” 

‘‘Then, Til give it up,” said Pulver; “I beg pardon 
if I made a mistake, but the adventure with the Don is 
always troubling my head.” 

“ I did not expect to find you here, Mr. Huyck,” re- 
marked Van Lintz, as he sat down by the side of his 
daughter. “ I presume that it is the wreck of your vessel 
that induced you to come. When did you leave home?” 

I answered his question, and gave him a tolerably full 
account of my voyage. 

Then Van Lintz, Holmfeld, Pulver, and myself entered 
into conversati n on the topics of the day, and we con- 
tinued smoking and talking for more than half-an-h ur, 
until, on the former’s proposal, I went down to look at 
his cabin. 


( 256 ) 


XXIII. 

I KNEW very well that the visit to the cabin was but a 
pretext of Van Lintz for finding an opportunity to have 
a quiet talk with me. We only went down for a moment, 
and soon retired to the forecastle together. 

‘‘ I am glad to see you and your daughter both 
in safety, and at length free from all persecutions,’^ I 
began. 

“Yes, sir,” replied Van Lintz, as he pointed to the 
rippling waves, “ yonder lies the broad ocean and the 
road to freedom.” 

“ It is a pity that you are obliged to seek that road far 
from your native land.” 

“ My native land ! ” he repeated, with a bitter laugh. 
“ What do you call my native land ? Is it that con- 
temptible country in which I was born, where a man 
does not live, but merely vegetates, and where the mono- 
tony of such a life is only occasionally varied by some 
cliildish fend or family dispute? Is it those United 
Provinces, which, divided in manners and in interests, 
are continually quibbling with one another, and where 
a set of presumptuous merchants, who in other coun- 
tries would be ranked with grooms and lackeys, want 
to be masters of the world ? Or is it Spain, which has 
insisted on my extradition ? I am a cosmopolitan, sir.” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


257 


I perceived that Amelia did not coincide with her 
father’s views, for she shook her head and looked at 
him sadly. 

‘‘I well understand you, my child,” said he, turn- 
ing to her. I guess your thoughts ; you inwardly 
accuse me of misjudging others, while, in many cases, 1 
have, by my own actions, caused the disasters whicli 
have befallen you as well as myself. It is possible ; I 
never would humble myself before unjust authority, nor 
before laws which were framed by tyranny and intoler- 
ance. But enough of this ; time is precious and must 
not be wasted. I feel bound to satisfy Mr. Huyck’s 
curiosity, and to relate to him those incidents of my life 
with which he is as yet unacquainted.” 

I intimated my readiness to listen to him, and, having 
taken a cautious look around, he began his story : — 

“ I am descended from a noble family of the county 
of Zutphen. My father, Baron Van Lintz, whose 
youngest child I was, spent his days on his estate, as 
he had not sufficient means to move in the fashionable 
world, whilst his religion — the Roman Catholic — dis- 
abled him from holding any remunerative office under 
Government. I seemed at first to be destined also 
to lead the quiet, obscure life of a country nobleman ; 
but fate decided otherwise. My mother, a Protestant, 
had some wealthy and influential relatives in The 
Hague and elsewhere, and they, apparently thinking 
me more than commonly talented, urged her to pay 
particular attention to my education, and agreed to 
furnish the necessary money. Although 1 made fair 
progress and realised their expectations, I felt no incli- 
nation, however, to become a scholar. I began to 
cherish a strong preference for the naval service, and 
5 K 


258 THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 

this feeling soon developed into a passion after having 
made a number of sea-trips with my uncle’s yacht. This 
uncle of mine was the only person who did not condemn’ 
my inclination, and it was he who frequently amused me 
by his stories of travel and adventure. My other re- 
latives deemed it ridiculous for me to enter upon a 
career in which, on account of my religion, I could 
never rise to any eminence, but by my uncle’s assist- 
ance, I was at length received into the navy as a mid- 
shipman ; and after a few years’ service, either through 
the exertions of my patron, or else because I really had 
made progress, I was promoted to the rank of lieu- 
tenant. All this was very well, but now the barrier 
was finally closed against me ; for, by virtue of some 
childish regulations, a Roman Catholic could not obtain 
at that time a higher grade in the navy of the Nether- 
lands. 

“ Meanwhile I formed the acquaintance of Captain 
ReefsaiPs daughters. I fell in love with the younger, 
and soon my love was requited. The difference of reli- 
gion, however, was an insurmountable obstacle in the 
eyes of the old captain. This greatly annoyed me, and 
I fe’.t still more bitterly grieved when I daily saw officers, 
younger and less able than myself, rise above me, merely 
because they belonged to the State Church. At the com- 
mencement of my career I had taken but little notice 
of all this, but now my position became utterly unbear- 
able. My noble birth, however, gained me admission 
into some of the highest circles, and thus I formed the 
acquaintance of the Spanish ambassador, who held out 
to me the most alluring prospects, if I would determine 
to enter the service of His Most Catholic Majesty. His 
proposal appeared all the more tempting to me, as, by 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


2S9 


accepting it, I hoped to attain my most ardent wishes — 
a union with my beloved Cornelia, and a higher position 
in society. I persuaded her to fly with me, sent in my 
resignation, and was clandestinely married in the am- 
bassador's private chapel. Then, furnished with some 
letters of recommendation, I went to Spain with my young 
wife. There I was well received. Some able naval officers 
were wanted at the time, and erelong I obtained the 
command of a man-of-war. At first fortune smiled on 
me. I succeeded in rendering some important services 
to my adopted country, and I was speedily promoted. 
Quite accidentally I became a diplomatist, and, having 
concluded a favourable treaty with Portugal, I soon rose 
in the king's favour. I was raised to the rank of Admiral, 
was made a Grandee of Spain, a Knight of the Golden 
Fleece, and Count of Talavera. In short, few were 
my equals, and the king only was my superior. My sole 
sorrow was, that my wife did not share in my honours ; 
she died shortly after my arrival in Spain, after having 
given birth to a daughter. 

‘‘But my prosperous career soon excited envy, and 
people did their best to hurl me down from my lofty 
pinnacle. Day after day I was attacked by slanderers and 
intriguers. For a long time the king did not listen to my 
detractors, but at length he began to waver, and his con- 
fidence in me diminished. I was sent on a mission to 
Mexico, and knew very well that this was equivalent to 
banishment, but I was compelled to obey. I thought it 
my duty, however, to guard against all emergencies, and 
I therefore forwarded some valuable and important docu- 
ments to Holland, to be placed in the hands of a notary, 
on condition that they should not be given up, except on 
my own written authorisation. I left for Mexico, and 


26 o 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


took my daughter with me, who, since the death of her 
mother, had been brought up in a convent. My absence 
gave a better scope to my enemies, and they accordingly 
availed themselves of their opportunity. I had spent 
about six months in the new continent when I was 
recalled to Spain. Scarcely had I set foot on board, 
than I was requested to surrender my sword, and 
was treated as a prisoner. On our voyage, our ship 
was attacked and seized by pirates. Everybody on 
board was butchered, and I only owed my own and my 
daughter’s escape to the circumstance that I was re- 
cognised by one of the pirates, who had formerly served 
under me. I was taken to the stronghold of the free- 
booters, and then my uncle and his stories rose to my 
mind, and I resolved to avenge myself on ungrateful 
Spain, and in future to lead the life of a northern Viking. 
I made known my intentions to my deliverer, who was 
delighted, and who mentioned my name to the pirates, 
as well as the disgraceful treatment which I had received 
as a reward for my services. Unanimously they chose 
me as their chief. What I did during the years I spent 
on the shores of the Lake of Maracaibo I will not 
mention : suffice it to say, that I took a terrible revenge 
upon Spain for the insults which had been offered to me ; 
the honest captain, who sits yonder smoking his pipe, 
can tell you how the name of Don Manuel was dreaded 
in the Mexican waters and in the sea of the Antilles.” 

Here I could not help interrupting him. 

“You wanted to take revenge on Spain, but you did 
not consider that your revenge affected the fates of 
merchants and seamen who had never insulted you.” 

“ I see the pertinence of your remark ; but such is 
the case in every war. The soldiers who die on the 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 261 

battlefield, the poor peasants whose harvests are de- 
stroyed and seized, the citizens whose dwellings are 
plundered and made desolate, have all to suffer for the 
crimes of their princes who have begun the strife. 1 
also declared war on Spain, and on all who were Spain’s 
friends ; and I chastised the ungrateful Spanish monarch 
as well as his subjects. Now, you will perhaps argue, 
according to a popular idea, that I was a pirate and no 
monarch by the grace of God ; but I do not acknow- 
ledge such a one-sided distinction. I was a sovereign ; 
I ruled my subjects with unlimited power, and the only 
difference between my antagonist and myself was, that 
I reigned over five hundred subjects, whilst he held sway 
over fifty millions — but this made the contest between 
him and me all the nobler in my eyes.” 

“I shall not enter into a dispute which might perhaps 
lead us too far,” said I, smiling at the sophistry by which 
he endeavoured to justify his conduct; only I consider 
it a very fortunate thing that it is not every one who feels 
himself called upon to take the law into his own hands, 
and to mark his career with massacre and plunder. How- 
ever, this temporal dominion, with all its grandeur, 
appears to have displeased you in the end, for you re- 
nounced it by your own freewill, I believe.” 

By his own freewill,” repeated Amelia, clinging to 
her father, yes, indeed, Mr. Huyck, out of dislike to 
the life which he was leading. Oh ! do not believe 
that my father was really moved by those ideas which 
he has expressed. No, the force of circumstances, 
the coercion of the pirates in whose power we were, 
compelled him either to become their chief or their 
victim ; but how many sleepless nights and hours of 
agony did he not spend at the thought of the sufferings 


262 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


of innocent people, or of the booty taken from the 
unfortunate ! Often have I observed how he detested 
the company of those rough men, and how the idea 
that their work was punishable in the eyes of Heaven 
continually oppressed his mind. Pardon me, father, if 
I have spoken with too much freedom, but your heart 
was better than your deeds ; and often afterwards did 
you bless the hour in which you determined to bid fare- 
well for ever to that career.’’ 

“In any case I shall always bless the hour which made 
you my daughter,” said Van Lintz, affectionately strok- 
ing her cheek ; “ and I must certainly confess that, with- 
out you, I should not have so soon arrived at the 
determination of which you speak ; for whether my 
profession was a criminal one or not, I was, in many 
respects, attached to it. A man must have been a 
sailor, Mr. Huyck, to be able to form an idea of the 
supreme delight one feels when, on board a good ship 
and at the head of a dauntless crew, one rules the seas 
and knows no master. But enough of this ; whatever 
may have been my motives, I left my new subjects, and 
intrusted the command of the band to a youth who had 
fallen into my hands, together with the same Captain 
Pulver who recognised me just now. You have seen 
the fellow, on that evening, near Naarden ; it was he 
who ...” 

“Oh!” I exclaimed, “I have seen him since that 
time ; and what is more, he is within half-an-hour’s 
distance from us at this moment. But do not let me 
interrupt your story.” 

“The rest is of trifling importance. I travelled to 
Europe, and arrived safely in France. Here I offered 
my services at various embassies, but the rumour, or at 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


263 


least the suspicion, had spread that the Count of Tala- 
vera and the pirate Don Manuel were one and the 
same person, and everywhere I met with refusals. At 
length I succeeded in obtaining a post at the Russian 
Court. It was, however, deemed necessary that I 
should have an interview with the Czar’s envoy ar 
The Hague and with the Russian Consul in Amster- 
dam. Accordingly I left for the Netherlands, but on 
the frontiers I was already cautioned that in Holland 
I was looked upon as a deserter, because I had for- 
merly left the Dutch service without leave ; and, besides, 
that the Spanish ambassador demanded my extradition. 
I was, therefore, advised to travel under an assumed 
name. Arrived in my native country, I hastened to 
my aged father, only to find him on his deathbed : my 
mother and all my brothers had died long ago. Not 
one of my nearest relations was living except Martha, 
my old nurse, who, as I learned, dwelt on a farm near 
Naarden. There I resolved to take refuge, until I 
should receive information as to whether I could safely 
venture to travel to Amsterdam, or to send my daughter 
thither to procure the important papers which I had 
deposited with the notary Bouvelt. You know the rest.” 

“Yes,” said I, “only I am not yet aware by what 
means you both arrived on board this vessel, or what 
your future intentions may be.” 

“You know that Mr. Blaek, for reasons of no in- 
terest to you, had promised me his assistance. On the 
morning of the picnic at the farmhouse, he took care to 
be on the spot half an hour before the other guests ; and, 
concealed in his carriage, I rode to Huizen, where his 
yacht awaited me. Amelia, secretly informed of oui 
scheme, had already embarked at Amsterdam, and thus 


264 the count of TALA VERA. 

we succeeded in escaping from the detectives. When 
we shall have arriveld at our destination, I think I will 
find an opportunity to proceed to Russia, where, I trust. 
Providence may permit me, after so many vicissitudes, 
to spend my last years in peace, and to give my poor 
daughter that rest of which she stands greatly in need. 
As for you, Mr. Huyck, once more accept my heartfelt 
thanks. I know that you kept my secret, and that it 
has been a source of great annoyance to you.” 

‘‘No, father,” said Amelia, “you do not know all. 
You do not know what sorrow we have unconsciously 
caused Mr. Huyck. His sweetest hopes, his most heart- 
felt wishes, were in danger of being for ever shattered 
by his becoming acquainted witli us. Yes,” she con- 
tinued, with rising Emotion, seeing that I was silent, 
whilst her father looked at both of us with some sur- 
prise, “a few words which have escaped Miss Harriet 
Blaek made things clear to me. I learned, Mr, Huyck, 
that you loved Miss Blaek, that your love was requited, 
that her uncle was opposed to the match, and that 
slanderous tongues, which had represented your ac- 
quaintance with me as a criminal one, had made her 
determine to refuse you her hand.” 

“ What ! ” cried Van Lintz, looking at me in blank 
amazement, “ is this true, Mr. Huyck ? ” 

“ I cannot deny it,” I replied ; “ but as you are leaving 
these shores, I am no longer obliged to remain silent, 
and I flatter myself that I shall succeed in justifying my 
conduct.” 

“You shall be justified,” said Van Lintz, as he rose 
and walked up and down the deck with hasty strides. 
“ Oh ! that accursed promise which I made to old 
Blaek ! But I am hardly bound by it, as he has misled 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 265 

me ! He told me that his son^s marriage with his niece 
was almost an acoomplished fact.” 

“I know,” said I, ‘‘that such was his wish; but, as 
yet, I have not discovered that Miss Harriet '•and Louis 
Blaek are very much in love with each other. Why he 
is so bent upon this match I cannot guess.” 

“ But I can,” exclaimed Van Lintz, “ he has misled 
me, I repeat it ; but he must not think that he shall use 
me as his cat’s-paw. I will write to him : he*shall give 
you the hand of his niece, and a good dowry into the 
bargain ; or I shall unmask the old hypocrite, and show 
him in his real colours to the world 1 I have the means 
to do so, and he knows it.” 

“What !” I cried, astonished in my turn, “you would 
be able to . . 

“ It is I who have caused you your griefi and it fs only 
reasonable that I should make good the mischief which 
I have done. Rest assured the heart of a young girl is 
not to be played with, and if it only depends on the ap- 
proval of James Blaek, Miss Harriet shall be yours, that 
I swear. The only difficulty will be to convince his niece 
that her suspicions are unjust.” 

“Oh !” said Amelia, with a bewitching smile, as she 
stealthily wiped away a tear, “ you do not know how 
gladly a girl believes in the innocence of a man whom 
she loves. You must not lose courage, Mr. Huyck ; I 
venture to say that you will have no difficulty in convinc- 
ing Harriet that you never loved any one but her.” 

“What,” cried 1 , as a new-born hope inspired me, 
while I felt surprised at her reassuring promises, “ you 
really believe . . . ?” 

“ I am certain of it, but,” she continued, as she turned 
aside, “ enough of this subject.” 


2 66 THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A. 

“ Yes,” said Van Lintz, perceiving her emotion ; ‘Met 
us speak about something else. You told me just now 
that you left my former lieutenant, Sander Gerritz, or 
Black Peter, as he afterwards called himself, at Ter- 
schelling? ” 

I satisfied Van Lintz’s curiosity, and my story excited 
his sympathy and that of his daughter. Both expressed 
a wish that Sander might accompany them on their 
journey, and, as well as Van Lintz, seek an opportunity 
of entering upon a new and honourable career in the 
service of the Czar. Sander’s acquiescence was as good 
as certain ; for he, doubtless, still felt his old attachment 
for his former master, and I flattered myself that I should 
be able to convince him that, even if Clara lived, she 
would be lost to him. The only thing yet to be done, 
therefore, was to ask Captain Holmfe'id to take another 
passenger, and this Van Lintz and I were just about to 
arrange with him when the two captains came forward. 

“ Mr. Bos,” said Holmfeld, approaching him, spyglass 
in hand, “I really think that the very yacht which brought 
you on board is coming toward us. Would you like to 
see ? ” 

“ Indeed,” said Van Lintz, as he put the glass to his 
eyes, “ it looks very much like it.” 

“Just take a glance, too, Mr. Huyck.” 

“ It is Louis Blaek’s yacht ! ” I exclaimed, recognising 
tlie green figurehead with its, gilded fretwork, and, taking 
Van Lintz aside. “ Is he also in the secret?” I asked 
him. 

“ Certainly not ; and, even if he did know of the affair, 
he would surely not be shameless enough to show his 
face to me.” 

“ It would be a strange coincidence, indeed,” said I, 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


267 


*‘if he had just taken it into his head to make sail this 
way- At any rate, we must have patience, and see what 
it means.” 

We were now disturbed in our contemplations by one 
of the men, who told us that dinner was served. We 
Avent down to the cabin, but Pulver had scarcely eaten 
a mouthful when he began once more to hold forth on 
the great resemblance of Mr. Bos to his old acquaint- 
ance, Don Manuel, the pirate ; and whether w'e liked it 
or not we were obliged to listen to the story of his 
adventure in the sea of the Antilles. He had not yet 
finished, however, when all at once wie heard a great stir 
as of a vessel sailing alongside, while the loud talking 
and calling made us think that some one had come on 
board. 

“ I hear strange voices. Captain Holmfeld,” s^id I, 
‘‘ you had better be on your guard, they might seize 
your vessel ere you suspected it.’’ 

“ Perhaps it is the Don Manuel, of whom the captain 
spoke just now,” remarked Holmfeld, laughing as he 
rose. . 

“No. I will wager my head against that,” said Pul- 
ver, ‘‘ it might be an acquaintance of his, though,” he 
added, as he cast a suspicious glance on Van Lintz. 

“ Upon my life it is Mr. Blaek’s yacht,” said Van 
Lintz, looking out of the window. “ What may be the 
meaning of this ? ” 

The next moment the door was opened. Captain 
Holmfeld entered the cabin, stepped aside, and made 
room for Louis Blaek, whose company we had certainly 
neither expected nor desired. 


( 268 ) 


XXIV. 

The arrival of this unwelcome guest caused not a little 
commotion amongst us. Amelia turned deadly pale, 
trembled violently, and convulsively grasped the back of 
her chair with both hands. Her father looked stead- 
fastly at Louis, with eyes ablaze with anger and indigna- 
tion. I, also, felt uneasy, as I was certain that this 
meeting would lead to unpleasant scenes. 

“ I am very happy to see you, sir,” Louis began, as he 
cast a contemptuous glance at Van Lintz, but on recog- 
nising me, his features suddenly changed their expression 
and he turned pale. 

‘‘ Sit down, Mr. Blaek,” said Holmfeld, we had 
certainly not expected to be honoured with a visit from 
you.” 

‘‘ And why not ? ” said he, with his usual carelessness, 
‘‘ I love the sea. But pray do not disturb yourselves, 
gentlemen. As I said before I am very fond of a little 
pleasure trip; besides, I wished to thank this gentle- 
man — turning to Van Lintz — for the honour he has done 
my yacht by travelling by it. I see that Mr. Huyck is 
here too ! but I am not surprised at that . for with such 
an attraction . . .” and he looked at Amelia with a 
grin. 

‘‘ Sir,” said Van Lintz energetically, I am only a pas- 
senger, and the captain may, of course, take on board 


THE COUi.T OF T A LAVER A, 


269 


whomsoever he chooses ; but let me tell you that, as 
you were aware of oilr presence, your unwelcome visit 
far surpasses all your former insolence.” 

“ Come, Count, or whatever you may call yourself at 
present,” answered Louis, do not be so ill-natured. If 
I am well informed, there was a time when you, too, 
occasionally came on board an uninvited visitor. Cap- 
tain Pulver, who is sitting here, knows something about 
it.” 

“ Upon my soul, ids just as I thought,” cried 
Pulver. 

“ And you. Captain Holmfeld,” continued Louis to 
the astonished man, ‘‘ you had better keep an eye on 
your honoured passenger, or he may perhaps take your 
ship to the Bay of Venezuela.” 

“ Wretch ! ” cried Van Lintz, livid with rage, what 
do you want ? What is the meaning of your words ? ” 

“ I don't understand it at all,” said Holmfeld. “ Your 
own father, Mr. Blaek, has recommended me these 
people.” 

“ Excuse me for saying so, but my father is an old 
dotard ; however, he would have acted differently had he 
known that this fine gentleman was a deserter and a 
pirate.” 

A short silence followed. The eyes of Van Lintz were 
blazing with rage, his lips foamed, and he would no 
doubt have thrown himself upon Louis, but that Amelia 
stepped up to her father and grasped him round his 
waist. 

“ Whatever this gentleman may be,” said Holmfeld, 
he is my passenger ; his passage has been paid for, 
and I shall not allow him to be insulted on board this 
vessel.” 


270 THE COUNT OF TALAVEEA. 

You are right/' said Pulver, whether he is a 
deserter or not I don't know, but I know that though he 
was a pirate he treated me very generously, and allowed 
me to leave without doing me any harm when he might 
just as soon have had me hanged." 

“ I am not speaking to you," said Louis ; as for Cap- 
taid Holmfeld, he had better think twice over what he 
says, or he shall receive no more commissions from our 
house." 

‘‘ Look here," replied Holmfeld with some warmth, 
‘‘ Mr. Bos, or whatever be his name, is under the pro- 
tection of the Danish flag, and no one shall insult him. 
As for you, sir, who have come here to pick a quarrel, I 
would advise you to pack yourself off as soon as possible, 
or I’ll have you thrown between decks, and I’ll take 
you with me to Denmark. What the deuce ! I am 
master on my own ship." 

Louis bit his lip. “ I am going," said he, in an angry 
tone, and I shall tell the people at Amsterdam that Cap- 
tain Holmfeld helps criminals to escape, and that the 
son of the high-bailiff drinks a parting glass with them." 

I had as yet not interfered in the quarrel, but I could 
not overlook this personal insult. 

‘‘ Mr. Blaek," said I, ‘‘ I have been silent until this 
moment ; but let me tell you that you are playing here 
a contemptible part." 

‘‘I have nothing to do with you at present," he 
replied, ‘‘ but afterwards you shall give me satisfaction 
for those words." 

‘‘ I should long ago have found such an opportunity," 
I answered, “ had not my respect for your father and 
your cousin restrained me." 

“ My cousin ! " he cried, with a sneer. It becomes 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


271 


you very well to talk about my cousin, when I see you 
in company with your mistress ! ’’ 

* “ This is too much V* I exclaimed “ As soon as we 
are on shore ...” 

“You have heard what I have said,” interposed Cap- 
tain Holmfeld, as he took him by the collar. “ Say 
another word and I’ll throw you down the hatchway ! ” 

“ One moment,” said Van Lintz, exerting himself to 
the utmost to remain calm ; “ if there is any one here 
who has been insulted, it is I. Out of regard for this 
young man’s father, who has rendered me a service, I 
should perhaps have pardoned his insolence ; but now 
he has attacked the honour of my daughter, and, by 
Heaven ! he shall not return to Amsterdam and there 
vilify her reputation by his abominable slander. What 
weapons do you choose, Mr. Blaek ?” . 

Every eye was turned to Louis. For a moment he 
quailed under Van Lintz’s haughty glance ; but his 
features still retained the mocking expression which had 
not left them from the moment he had set foot on board 
our ship. 

“ Ah ! ” said he, “ so you are at length beginning to 
understand that there is a more dignified way for gentle- 
men to settle their quarrels than, like navvies, to belabour 
each other with their fists ? Well, I am not very par- 
ticular as to the weapons, but I should prefer fighting on 
land. I have never exercised the profession of a pirate; 
and, although I stand steady enough on my own yacht, I 
have not been, like some people, in the habit of using a 
rapier or a pistol on board ! ” 

“ Very well,” said Van Lintz, “ we are within sight 
of Terschelling ; we shall find there some lonely spot 
where we can settle our quarrel. You will have no 


2/2 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


objection to Mr. Huyck and Captain Pul ver. acting as 
our seconds ? ” 

“I do not see that we require any seconds,” said 
Louis; ‘‘however, I do not mind them. Although it is 
lonely enough on the Downs, it will be desirable to make 
as little noise as possible, so I propose the rapier !” 

Van Lintz bowed approvingly. The two captains and 
I looked at each other in surprise. Blaek^s choice 
seemed to us very strange and bold ; for, notwithstand- 
ing his reputation as a swordsman, he could not expect 
to equal his powerful antagonist in strength or dexterity; 
we considered that a duel with pistols would have rendered 
the chances more equal. There was no alternative, how- 
ever, as Louis himself had desired it; but the indifference 
with which he had made his proposal appeared to us as 
mysterious as was- the choice itself. 

Amelia’s features betrayed intense emotion. 

“Good Heavens!” exclaimed she, wringing her hands 
in terror, “ must there be a duel for my sake Have I 
not suffered enough already, father? And must your 
last footstep on your native land be marked in blood?” 

“ Pray calm yourself, Amelia,” said Van Lintz. “ Mr. 
Blaek desires a lesson. He wants one badly, and I am 
prepared to satisfy him ! Captain Holmfeld, will you 
be kind enough to order the boat to be got ready? 
I have an idea that we shall not be long absent 1 ” 

“ I wish,” I remarked to Pulver, “ that this tea were 
lying at the bottom of the ocean, and that we had never 
come here ; for Heaven knows how we shall be mixed 
up in this confounded affair I ” 

Meanwhile we had left the cabin, and Holmfeld gave 
his orders to get the boat in readiness ; Van Lintz had 
gone to fetch his sword and cloak, and Louis, leaning 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


273 

against the gangway, whistled a tune. Amelia approached 
me, and whispered — 

“Mr. Huyck, will you promise me to see that,^ there 
is no foul play ? I cannot help mistrusting this Mr. 
Blaek!” 

“ I never had a very high opinion of him,’^ said I ; 
“ but we will take care that everything is done in a 
proper manner. Do not fear, it will end better than 
you imagine. Your father, if I am not mistaken, only 
intends to give this reckless youth the lesson which lie 
needs ! ” 

The boat was now ready, and Captain Holmfeld 
begged us to make haste, as he could not spare his men 
long. Louis was the first to leap into the boat, and then 
came Van Lintz, after having cordially embraced his 
daughter. I shook her hand in silence and followed 
with Pulver ; but we had not yet sat down when Amelia 
appeared at the end of the ladder; and ere we could 
prevent it, she was with us in the boat. 

“What folly is this?^^ asked her father severely. 

“ I must go ashore with you — it is my firm deter- 
mination ; and you know, father, that as to resolution 
and a strong will I am your worthy daughter. Do not 
fear that I shall disturb you. I will remain near the 
boat If any serious accident occurs — which the saints 
forbid — I shall be near at hand, and no one need send 
to the ship for assistance !” 

To this there could be no objection, and we imme- 
diately moved off and rowed towards the quay. We 
soon reached the pier, and ail of us landed except 
Amelia. Elbowing our way through the juvenile mob 
that had assembled we once more traversed the sandy 
road leading to the village. 


s 


274 


THE COUNT OF T A LAV ERA. 


‘‘ Don’t you think,” I asked Van Lintz, that we had 
better enter the tavern first, and then leave again under 
the pretext of taking a walk to the Downs ? In this 
way we would excite no suspicions.” 

“ We will spare you the trouble,” muttered Louis, and 
at the same moment a man made his way to us out of 
the crowd, and, laying his hand on Van Lintz’s shoulder, 
said — 

“ You are my prisoner.” 

“ Your^prisoner ! ” exclaimed Van Lintz with amaze- 
ment, as he laid his hand on his sword. 

“ Pray, sir, offer no resistance,” said the man, in whom 
I at once recognised William Heynz, pointing to three or 
four constables standing hard by ; “ my agents are well 
armed ! ” 

For Heaven’s sake surrender yourself ! ” said I to 
Van Lintz ; ‘‘ resistance would be useless ! ” 

Count of Talavera ! ” said Louis, with a sneering 
laugh, ‘^you are a clever diplomatist, but the stratagem 
which I have made use of in order to entice you from 
the Danish vessel beats even your ...” 

“ You are the most contemptible wretch I have ever 
known !” I interrupted, with indignation and disgust. 

“This piece of roguery may cost him half his fortune !” 
said Van Lintz. “ However, I must yield. Here is my 
sword, Mr. Heynz'; where do you inte. d to take me? 
I should like to see my daughter once more, and take 
leave of her ! ” 

“ What has happened ? ” cried Amelia, who came 
hurrying up in alarm. 

“Nothing, my dear,” said Louis; “we have only 
changed rur minds, and you and your father will return 
in peace to Amsterdam, in my company 1 ” 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


275 


“ Is this necessary ? I asked Heynz. Are the 
Baron and his daughter compelled to travel in that 
scoundrel’s company ? ” 

‘‘ I should feel obliged if you will allow me to travel by 
another vessel ; I will pay for it myself,” said Van Lintz. 

This is a reasonable proposal,” I remarked to Heynz, 
‘‘you are sent to arrest this gentleman, but not to torture 
him by the sight of one whom he loathes ! ” 

“ There will be no difficulty about it,” answered 
Heynz ; “ we need not put the Count to needless ex- 
pense. We shall order a conveyance and dispense with 
Mr. Blaek’s further company. If the Count desires it 
we will have his luggage fetched from the ship.” 

“ That luggage will, of course, be examined ? ” asked 
Van Lintz. Well, so be it. I even desire it to -be done; 
and then I’ll be revenged upon this Judas ! ” 

“What . . . what is the meaning of this?” asked 
Louis, somewhat uneasy. “ What has your luggage to 
do with me? ” 

As he received no reply he appeared rather confused. 
It was evident that he would gladly have returned to his 
yacht, but the words of Van Lintz seemed to have elec- 
trified him. 

“I think we had better go to the inn,” I remarked to 
Heynz, “ there is such a mob here ! ” 

He willingly accepted the proposal, as he wished to 
inform the authorities of Terschelling of the arrest ; and 
while a couple of constables rowed to the ship to fetch the 
luggage, we made for the tavern. Heynz led the way, 
accompanied by Captain Pulver, who was continually 
expressing his astonishment at the unexpected turn of 
events. Van Lintz followed with his daughter, whilst I 
walked at the side — the procession being closed, by two 


276 


THE COUNT OF T A LAV ERA, 


constables. Half of tlie population followed at our 
heels, and Louis Blaek, evidently ashamed, shuffled along 
on the other side of the road. He followed us into the 
inn, ordered a glass of brandy, which he gulped down 
at a draught, and then sat down in an obscure corner. 

“Where dbes the bailiff live ? ” asked Heynz, address- 
ing Reynzen. “ I should like to see him at once !’' 

“ I can easily show you where he lives,^’ answered 
Reynzen. “ But he is just now outside with a patient, 
for he is a doctor as well, you know. He will soon 
return.’’ 

“ By the by,” said Pulver, “ how is that young girl 
getting on ? ” 

Reynzen shook his head, and told us that she was 
past all hopes. I sat down, pondering over the strange 
coincidence which had in a moment brought so many 
different individuals together, who were all in one way 
or another connected with each other. Heynz ap- 
proached me, and I asked him how he had become 
aware that Mr. Van Lintz was on board the Danish 
vessel. He told me that Louis Blaek had learned from 
his mate why his father had used his yacht. He at once 
suspected that the person who had travelled by it could 
be none else than Amelia’s father, and accordingly he 
communicated with Heynz. On further inquiries his sus- 
picions were confirmed ; so Louis, who no doubt wished 
to avenge himself on Van Lintz, for the lesson the latter 
had given him, placed his yacht at .Heynz’s disposal, in 
order to overtake the fugitives. In this they succeeded ; 
but as Heynz was not much inclined to board a foreign 
vessel without a special warrant, Louis volunteered to 
pay a visit to Captain Holmfeld, and decoy Van Lintz to 
Dutch territory. 


THE COUNT Of TALAVERA. 


277 


“ I am sorry,” said I, ‘‘ that you have so well suc- 
ceeded. Mr. Van Lintz has saved my life. And, I 
believe, my father too would have been pleased if that 
gentleman had escaped !” 

I wish him no harm either,” said Heynz, but you 
see our reputation is at stake ; just fancy how people 
would have laughed at me if they had heard that the 
man we were looking for all over the country had been 
staying for a fortnight in my own house ! . . . But that 
doctor is a long while ... ah ! here he comes.” 

At the same moment Mr. Doedes, deputy-baili'ff and 
physician, entered the room. 


( 278 ) 


XXV. 

Hm ! ” said Doedes, looking about him with evident 
surprise ; large company — many strange faces — con- 
stables — hm ! ” 

‘‘ How is the poor sufferer?” I asked. 

‘‘ Hm ! — ^just died — affectio pulmonaris — my task done 
— go home — write my bill — hm ! 

“The bailiff, I believe, sir?” asked Heynz, as he 
shook hands with him, and told him his name and pro- 
fession. “ I should like to speak to you.” He then 
drew the doctor aside to the window, and they conversed 
for some time together. 

“ Hm ! ” I heard the bailiff mutter after awhile, “ Ter- 
schelling is a place of refuge — ancient privileges — 
enough encroachments already — hm ! ” 

“What ! ” exclaimed Heynz, “ what do you mean ?” 

“ Not allowable — call magistrates together — important 
case — violation of authority — hm.” 

“I cannot understand you,” said Heynz. “ Do you 
think it necessary to let the magistrates decide such a 
simple matter? You see my orders, they are simple and 
peremptory,” and he showed him some papers which he 
took from his pocket-book. 

“Orders — hm ! — not legal here — Amsterdam high- 
bailiff — is master at home — not here.” 

“But don’t you see that it is a warrant issued by 
the States-General ? ” resumed Heynz impatiently. 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


279 


“ Hm ! — ^yes — exceptional case — privileges — h m — 
Terschelling a place of refuge — apprehended without 
authority — magistrates decide.” 

Heynz stood transfixed with amazement. He could 
not understand that a functionary of the law dared 
oppose a warrant to which even the Amsterdam autho- 
rities had submitted. Whilst he appeared to be reflect- 
ing by what means he could convince the bailifl* of his 
error, his eye met that of Van Lintz, and the fear that 
the latter had heard the local bailiff’s words, and 
would take advantage of them, made the perspiration 
rise to his face, whilst his features underwent such a 
ludicrous expression, that, in spite of myself, I could not 
repress a smile. 

Van Lintz also smiled ; for, although seated at a 
distance, he had clearly heard the bailiffs words, and 
was not the man to let them pass unobserved. He rose 
and approached ihe two officials. 

‘‘It seems, friend Heynz,” said he, “that you have 
acted somewhat rashly, according to this gentleman, at 
all events.” 

“ Not in the least,” said Heynz, vainly endeavouring 
to hide his vexation. “ I have orders for your appre- 
hension wherever I may find you, orders which have been 
issued by the States-General ; and this gentleman is only 
joking; — or, does Terschelling no longer belong to the 
Dutch Government?” 

“ It certainly does,” replied Van Lintz, “ ever since 
Charles, Duke of Aarschot, sold it to their High Mighti- 
nesses ; but such ' a transaction by no means justifies 
them to infringe the privileges which the island has en- 
joyed from times immemorial.” 

“ You are right,” replied Heynz, with a sneering laugh ; 


28 o the count of tala VERA. 

from times so immemorial that no one can remember 
by whom or at what date these privileges were granted.’^ 

‘‘ Hm muttered Doedes, ‘‘the prisoner is right — 
magistrates decide — to-morrow — hm !” 

“ To-morrow !” cried Heynz ; “ do you think I came 
here to amuse myself, and that my presence is not 
required at Amsterdam ? ” 

“It is really very bad,^’ said Van Lintz, smiling. “I. 
suppose the thieves are already lighting bonfires, in 
high glee at your absence ; but, all joking aside, I really 
regret that you should have been put to such trouble 
for my sake.” 

Farbleu ! cried Heynz, “this is a regular fix. Mr. 
Huyck, Captain Pulver, pray be kind enough and assist 
me in bringing this bailiff, or whatever he may be, to 
his senses. Do explain to him that he will be suspended 
and punished, if he disobeys the instructions of the 
States-General.” 

“ Hm !” said Doedes, “ Terschelling is a place of refuge, 
and there’s an end to it — hm ! ” 

“The devil take you!” cried Heynz, “Terschelling 
won’t be a refuge for you, I promise you j and I shall 
report you.” 

“ You had better think twice, Mr. Doedes,” remarked 
Reynzeu, who, being a magistrate himself, considered it 
also his duty to say a word, “ this gentleman is not very 
far wrong, I think ; for whatever you do now, the island 
must afterwards be able to justify before the States- 
General, as you are aware.” 

“ Hm I — magistrate himself — wants to say something 
too — bailiff knows better — hm ! ” 

“ Exactly,” resumed Reynzen ; “ I am a magistrate 
myself, and a native of Terschelling into the bargain ; 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


281 


therefore I ought to know the old laws, at least as well 
as one who was not born here/’ 

“ What ! ” exclaimed Heynz, eagerly taking advantage 
of this circumstance, “ is the bailiff no native of the 
island? In this case he had better be doubly on his 
guard how he acts in this matter.” 

Two or three other individuals who had entered the 
room during the dispute, and who, as I afterwards 
learned, were some of the notabilities of the village, 
agreed with Reynzen, and urged the bailiff to summon 
the magistrates, and not to provoke any disagreement 
with the Government for the sake of a questionable 
privilege. While they were still discussing the subject, 
Reynzen’s wife entered the parlour and whispered to me 
that the old gentleman who had accompanied me to Ter- 
schelling wished to see me. 

In the turmoil and excitement I had quite forgotten 
poor Holding. I followed the woman to the back room, 
where a sad scene awaited me. Holding, seated at the 
bedside, held the hand of his dead daughter in his own * 
silent tears flowed down his cheeks, whilst his features 
wore an expression of anguish that deeply affected me. 
Opposite him stood Sander, leaning against the wall, 
gazing fixedly at the corpse before him, whilst his heaving 
chest betrayed his inward emotion. • 

I silently pressed the old man’s hand. 

God’s will be done,” he said ; “ but it is hard indeed 
for a father to be compelled to say of his child, that 
her death was better than her life.” 

I sincerely sympathise with you,” I replied, “and with 
you also, Sander Gerritz ; but,” I continued, drawing the 
latter aside, “ be careful, for your life too is in danger. 
Heynz and his agents are in the next room.” 


282 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


He looked at me with a bewildered glance. 

“ Beware/^ said I, thinking that he had not understood 
me, ‘‘do not show yourself; stay here until I come to 
fetch you. I will give you a letter for Captain Holm- 
feld. I think there is a good opportunity for you now, 
and you can sail with him. It is too dangerous for 
you here.^’ 

As I spoke I opened the window overlooking the 
downs. He stared at me for awhile, then, recovering 
himself, he nodded approvingly. 

“What is the matter?’^ asked Holding, as he rose and 
looked at him in astonishment. 

“ Never mind,” I answered, “ he is in a, dangerous 
position here; I will explain it all to you afterwards. 
For the present, let us make some arrangements for 
your poor daughters funeral.” 

We were allowed but little time, for I had scarcely 
uttered these words when Reynzen’s wife came to me 
again, and said that another gentleman would like to see 
me before he returned on board.” 

“ Which gentleman ? ” I asked her. 

“Well . . . how can I remember all those strange 
names . . . ? Blaek is his name, I believe.” 

“ Blaek ! ” repeated Sander, with violent emotion. 

“ Calm yourself,” said I ; “ think of the consequences.” 

“Blaek!” said Helding ‘‘Who? Louis Blaek? 
Does he come here to insult an old man whose child 
he has killed, whose grey hairs he has covered with 
shame? Don’t detain me, Mr. Huyck I I must see 
him 1 you shall not prevent a father from confronting the 
murderer of his daughter.” 

I saw that in a moment these two men would rush 
into the parlour, and as I could not detain both, I 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 


283 


thought it advisable to grasp the arm of Sander, whose 
impetuous rage I feared most. Meanwhile Helding had 
forced his way out, and I immediately followed him, 
whilst I thrust Sander back, closed and bolted the door 
upon him, and hurried to the parlour. 

As I approached it Helding had just entered, and 
now stood face to face with Louis Blaek. 

“Helding!’’ he exclaimed with surprise, “how the 
deuce did you get here, poet ? ” 

“ Have you come to look at your work, murderer of 
my child ?” cried the enraged father ; “ ha ! you thought 
that because you were in the habit of ridiculing an old 
man, you also had the right of injuring his daughter. 
But, come, follow me, and see what you have done.” 

“ What is the meaning of this ? ” asked Louis 
sullenly. “ Is this a new tragedy of yours ? or is it a 
comedy?” 

“ Heaven knows,” replied Helding \ “ it is a tragedy, 
and a true one ; a curse upon you who are its author. 
My child is dead, dead ! do you understand ? and you are 
her murderer. But come with me, look at her, and see 
if she still pleases you.” 

“ What have I to do with your daughter?” muttered 
Louis, upon whom all eyes were bent. 

“Have you lost a daughter ?” asked Amelia, gently 
approaching the old man. 

“You here, too?” cried Helding, taking her hand. 
“Oh, my dear lady, you did right in driving this man 
from your room. Had you given ear to his false pro- 
testations, your fate might have been as bitter as that of 
my poor Clara. Oh ! why did I not spurn the reptile 
with my foot as your 'father did, instead of accepting his 
detestable presents? But come, follow me,” he con- 


284 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


tinued, grasping Louis by the arm. “You must, you 
shall see your victim.” 

For one who had known both these men before, it was 
indeed a remarkable contrast to see the complete rever- 
sion which had so suddenly taken place in their relations 
towards each other. Helding, the cringing, fawning 
scribbler, subservient to the caprices of his superiors, 
now stood with head erect and in a commanding atti- 
tude, beckoning his former patron to follow him ; 
whilst the latter, the haughty, rich, self-asserting youth, 
walked with downcast eyes and trembling steps behind 
his guide, to whose moral superiority he was forced to 
yield. 

I and several others who were present accompanied 
them to the room where Clara lay on her deathbed, and 
where, to my relief, Sander was no longer. Arrived at 
the bedside, Helding lifted up the sheet, disclosed the 
lifeless features of his daughter, and said to Louis — 

“ Behold your victim !” 

For a moment Blaek stood as transfixed ; he was 
deadly pale, his lips were colourless, and a wild glare was 
in his eyes. At length he recovered himself, and, giving 
me a savage glance, said — 

“ It is to you that I owe all this. But I will repay 
you.” 

“ Do your worst,” said I contemptuously. 

“ Confound it !” he cried, stamping his foot, and then 
violently tearing himself away from Helding’s grasp, he 
hastily left the inn. 

After his departure I remained no longer than was 
necessary for making arrangements for the funeral, 
and repaired to the court-house, where the magistrates 
had already assembled, and where Heynz was present 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 285 

with his prisoner. Whilst the matter was being discussed, 
Van Lintz’s luggage was brought in from the vessel, and 
soon after a person, in whom I recognised one of my 
father’s messengers, entered the court and handed Heynz 
a note. 

Having read it, Heynz called me aside — • 

“ This alters the case considerablement^^ said he. ‘‘ His 
honour requests me, in the event of my capturing Mr. 
Van Lintz, to keep him in custody till further orders, 
and only to forward the papers which may be found on 
him to Amsterdam.” 

“ That is a good sign for Mr. Van Lintz,” said I. It 
proves that they have not yet decided in The Hague 
whether or not to detain him.” 

Heynz immediately communicated this message to the 
magistrates. They readily agreed to the measures pro- 
posed, by which their alleged privileges remained as yet 
intact, and a temporary abode was offered to Van Lintz 
and his daughter. Their luggage was searched, and his 
papers, after having been sealed, were handed by Heynz 
to my father’s messenger, who left the island again a few 
hours later. 

The bailiff at first intended to have Van Lintz re- 
moved to the common gaol of Terschelling, but Heynz 
determined rather to rely upon the Baron’s word of 
honour that he would not escape, and provided him and 
his daughter with lodgings in the house of a respectable 
villager. 

The same evening I received a note from Sander, in 
which he reminded me of my promised letter of recom- 
mendation to Captain Holmfeld, adding that he would 
meet me on the following morning at seven o’clock at a 
certain spot near the harbour. 


286 


THE COUNT OF TALA VET A. 

Before I retired to rest I wrote the letter, and in the 
morning rose early, and repaired at once to the appointed 
place. 

On reaching the harbour I was not a little disappointed 
to observe that the “ Kjobenhavn ” had weighed anchor, 
and was going seawards with full sails. Doubtless Captain 
Holmfeld dared delay no longer, and thus he deprived 
Sander of his last hope of entering upon a better career. 

I had now arrived at the downs, and I looked about 
.■^le, birt Sander was nowhere to be seen. For a long 
whilQ I walked to and fro, until at length, getting impa- 
tient, I began to suspect that he had also seen the 
Danish vessel depart; and feeling no inclination to 
pass the morning in such a desolate spot, I re^ :lved to 
. return to the village. 

I had gone about half-way when I heard a faint groan- 
ing hard by. I looked round, and in a cavity partly 
hidden among the bushes perceived a human body. I 
hastened to the spot, and after all these years I still feel 
my blood grow cold at the recollection of the ghastly 
sight that was disclosed to my eyes. 

Stretched at full length on the sand lay two bodies : 
one of which was that of Sander, who was lying face 
upwards, his glazed eyes fixed in a ghastly stare, whilst 
the blood which flowed from a wound in the head 
formed a crimson pool around him. Across him lay 
Louis Blaek, with his face pressed to the sand, tightly 
clasping a pistol in his right hand. 

With a cry of terror I approached closer, and lifted 
the body of the latter. His shirt and waistcoat were 
saturated with blood, and the features stiff as those of a 
corpse ; but a painful sigh which escaped his bosom 
told nie that life was- not yet extinct. I quickly tore 


rllE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


287 


open bis shirt ; he had a deep gash in the chest, to 
which I pressed my handkerchief to stem the blood, if 
possible. As for Sander, he was already cold and stiff, 
and the bloody knife with which he had probably 
w'ounded Louis Blaek had fallen from his hand. 

I w^as at a loss what to do. Not wishing to leave 
the wounded man, and yet unable to render him any 
assistance, I looked about me to see whether there 
was any human being near, when suddenly I beheld 
an individual who appeared to observe me very atten- 
tively. I recognised Andrew Mathissen, and imme- 
diately took up Sander’s knife to defend myself, if neces- 
sary, from an attack of that scoundrel. But he abruptly 
turned 59und, shouting Murder ! murder ! ” at the top 
of his voice, and ran off towards the village. I rose, 
and at the same time I saw Pulver and Helding come 
ninning up in hot haste. 

Good Heavens 1 what has occurred here ? asked 
the latter. 

•‘Are you wounded, master?” inquired Pulver. 

“Do not touch the dead bodies, Mr. Huyck,” cried 
Helding, who was not free from the popular superstition 
on that point ; “ there’s never any good come from it 
yet.” 

“ But who has done this ? ” asked Pulver. 

“ Who has done this ? ” was now repeated from 
mouth to mouth, as a number of islanders flocked to 
the spot. I observed that some of them cast a sus- 
picious glance at me, whilst they looked at one another 
significantly. 

“ Pray assist me in carrying these unfortunate men to 
the village,” said I. “One is still alive.” 

“We shall wait until the bailiff comes — we shall lay 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


J6Z 

no hands on them — do you think we are mad, that we 
should touch a corpse?’* was the general rejoinder. 

“ They have murdered one another,’* said I, reply- 
ing to Pulver’s inquiring glance, there is no doubt 
of it.” 

'‘Very well, the bailifif will decide that,” returned the 
villagers, and I observed that their eyes were fixed on 
the knife which I held in my hand. 

“That man is quite right in blaming the dead,” 
muttered Andrew, who had returned with the mob, 
“they can’t contradict, he thinks. He’s a cunning 
fellow.” 

I saw that I was suspected of the murder, and my posi- 
tion was far fiom pleasant. However, I resolved to make 
a final effort. 

“ Friends,” I cried, lifting Louis half-way from the 
ground, “this gentleman is still alive. Will you allow 
him to die, without making one effort to assist him ? ” 

“Come,” said Pulver, “I will help you, master.” 

“ And I as well,” said Helding, “ although he 
does not deserve it of me ; but I have too much 
respect for you, Mr. Huyck, to leave him in the 
lurch.” 

At the same moment Doedes, Reynzen, and some 
others came hurrying up. 

“ Hm,” began the former ; “ two corpses. Murder 
committed ! By whom ? ” 

All were silent; one among the crowd at length 
pointed to Andrew and said, “ This man came to fetch 
us.” 

“ Of course,” replied Andrew, staring at me ; “ I don’t 
want to accuse great folk, but when a fellow has a bloody 
knife in his hand ...” 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A. 


289 


“ Don’t believe that fellow,” I cried aloud ; “ he is a 
vagabond and a highwayman, against whom you should 
be on your guard. I arrived here when both the wounded 
men were lying on the ground. This knife belonged to 
the dead man. But do not let us lose time in useless 
talk ; Mr. Blaek may yet recover.” 

“ Hm,” said Doedes, “ Mr. Blaek is no friend of yours 
— went out early — duel — hm! will he recover?” and ap- 
proaching him, he examined the wound ; “ hm ! ” said 
he, “sharp instrument — deep incision,” then, looking at 
me : “ that knife, hm I ” I handed it to him : “ wound 
made with this knife — cartilage broken — slow recovery 
— to be carried home at once.” 

As he spoke he hastily bandaged Blaek’s wounds ; 
he then approached Sander and examined his injuries : 
“Hm !” said he, “bullet in the brain — dead as a stone 
— hm I ” 

With this he concluded his diagnosis, and stepped 
aside, together with Reynzen and two or three other 
notabilities. Their conversation was brief and animated ; 
and I could gather from occasional glances, that I 
was the subject of their discourse. On its conclusion, 
Doedes approached me. 

“Follow us — this must be explained,” said he. 

“ With pleasure,” I replied ; “ but surely you do not 
believe . . .” 

“ Well,” said Reynzen, “ I am very sorry, but there 
is a heavy presumption against you. You were no friend 
of the wounded man, sir.” 

“ Are you mad ? ” asked Pulver. “ Mr. Huyck is 
no murderer 1 ” 

“The law shall decide,” said Doedes; “no respect 
of persons — stop a minute,” he continued, seeing that 
5 T 


290 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


Andrew was going away ; ‘‘ we must have that man in 
court — give evidence.” 

Andrew was secured, and Louis placed on a litter. 
Meanwhile, he opened his eyes, and in a half-inaudible 
voice, asked — 

“ Where am I ?” 

“ Now all of you shall hear the truth,” I cried, quite 
delighted. Blaek, for God’s sake 1 tell me : who 
wounded you ? ” 

For awhile he looked at me in silence as if reflecting, 
whilst the bystanders crowded round in anxious expecta- 
tion. All at once a fiendish smile distorted his features, 
and, looking me steadily in the face, he replied — 

“You.” 

“ Wretch ! ” I cried, “ do you wish to leave this world 
with a lie on your lips ? ” 

A deep silence ensued ; Reynzen gave me a pitying 
look ; Pulver sighed and bit his nails ; Helding stood 
as if transfixed, he pressed my hand, whilst the tears 
gushed from his eyes. As for myself, I was so stunned 
by' the accusation that I could not utter a word, and 
quite mechanically 1 followed the people, who slowly 
made their way towards the village. 


( 291 ) 


XXVL 

The rumour of the unfortunate accident had already 
spread far and wide, and it was with great difficulty that 
we made our way through the crowd around us. Not 
an old woman had stayed at her fireside, not a child 
remained at school ; all were anxious to*see an Amster- 
dam gentleman arrested for murder. Louis was carried 
to Doedes’ cottage, whilst Andrew and I were conducted 
to the court-house. In the corridor we had to wait until 
the magistrates had all assembled for our preliminary 
examination. At length I was taken inside by two con- 
stables, and found the bench filled ; Reynzen, who 
presided, requested me to give an account of the whole 
occurrence. 

When I had done so, Andrew was brought forward. 

“ Have you anything to say against the witness?”! 
was asked. 

“A great deal,” said I ; “he is a highwayman, and 
if Heynz is called in he will confirm my words.” 

“Very probable,” muttered Doedes. “Heynz is a 
busybody — no evidence against witness — proceed.” 

“Andrew Mathissen, what have you to declare?” 
asked Reynzen with a dignity I had little expected of 
him. 

Andrew now made a deposition, which was nothing 
but a concoction of falsehoods. He had, he said, heard 


292 THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 

a pistol shot, on which he hurried to the spot, when he 
saw Sander lying on the ground, whilst I was struggling 
with Mr. Blaek. After a short fight, the latter fell, 
and then he had at once run to the village to call assist- 
ance. 

Pulver was called and examined in his turn. 

‘‘ Well,” said he, I know nothing of the whole affair, 
except that when I arrived on the spot with Mr. Holding, 
I saw Sander lying on his back, and Mr. Blaek across 
him, whilst Mr. Huyck stood by as one who was at a 
loss what to do. But I will never believe that he has had 
a hand in this nasty business.” 

“ Hm ! ” said* Doedes, ‘‘ your opinion is not required, 
depose, nothing more.” 

‘‘ But what made you go to the downs ? ” asked 
Reynzen. 

‘‘ Mr. Holding and I went out to seek Mr. Huyck, as 
we were beginning to feel uneasy at his long absence,” 
answered Pulver in his simplicity. 

There was a reason, then, to be uneasy?” 

That is to say,” replied the honest captain, with some 
confusion, Mr. Huyck received a note yesterday, and 
we thought it was from Mr. Blaek ; in short,, we were 
afraid that there would be a duel between them.” 

I felt my blood grow cold, for I well knew what con- 
clusions would be drawn from this declaration. 

‘‘Hm, hm!” said Doedes, looking round triumphantly, 
“ that settles the case — clear as daylight — hm I ” 

Helding, who now came forward, corroborated Piil- 
ver’s evidence, and added one or two reasons which 
might have moved Sander to take revenge upon Louis. 
Helding and the captain were asked if they recognised 
the blood-stained knife which was laid on the table, 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


293 


but they both declared that they had never seen it 
before. 

“Gentlemen,” said I, “you must consider that the 
evidence of the wounded man against me is of no weight 
at present, he was confused, and did not know what he 
said at the time. If he recovers, as I trust he will, I 
have no doubt that he’ll withdraw his accusation.” 

“ The accused is right,” remarked the chairman. 
“ Besides, bailiff, we do not yet know what you charge 
him with, if with murder or with a common assault ; we 
shall therefore suspend the case for the present, mean- 
while, the accused must remain in custody, and the wit- 
nesses are to stay here until a further examination can 
be held.” 

The court now adjourned, and I was led to prison. 
Such places are seldom very comfortable, and the gaol of 
Terschelling formed no exception to the general rule. It 
was a small, damp, barewalled cell, all its furniture con- 
sisting of a table with only three legs, a chair with a 
broken seat, and a wooden crib, which had evidently 
done lengthy service. 

Left to myself, I sat down and endeavoured to con- 
centrate my thoughts, for the events of the day had 
plunged my mind into such a state of confusion, that 
everything appeared as a wild dream, and it was long 
before I arrived at a full perception of my condition. 
At length, however, the fearful truth disclosed itself in all 
its nakedness to my eyes. I, the son of the high-bailiff 
of Amsterdam, was charged with the crime of murder, and 
apparently none but the most forcible proofs would suffice 
to nullify the strong evidence brought against me. Then 
again, I thought of my parents, of my dear mother, whose 
delicate constitution would never bear the news that her 


294 THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 

son was accused of such a fearful crime, and of my father, 
who, with his characteristic stoicism, would hide and bear 
his grief, but whose sufferings would be all the more acute 
afterwards. And the agonising thought that a stranger 
would probably exaggerate the accident, or place it in an 
unfavourable light, and would communicate it to them; 
and that then they would perhaps curse the name of a son 
who covered their grey hairs with shame, was indeed terri- 
ble, and the longer I thought the greater grew my agony. 

At length, after several hours of fearful solitude, the 
door of my cell was opened and Heynz entered. 

Thank Heaven ! ’’ I cried, ‘‘ I am not yet wholly 
forsaken.’^ 

Mr. Huyck, Mr. Huyck ! he exclaimed, with a 
thoughtful look, ‘‘ to think that I should see your father’s 
son in such a predicament.” 

‘‘Well,” said I, giving him my hand, “you do not 
believe me guilty, of course ? ” 

“ Ma foi,^ all the evidence is against you ; but I cannot 
understand why you do not confess, for I presume you 
inflicted that wound in self-defence.” 

“ What ! you also believe me guilty ? ” I cried, with 
bitter disappointment. 

“What can I say? There are two witnesses against 
you . . .” 

One of whom is my enemy, and the other a 
scoundrel.” 

“ Yes, that Andrew won’t escape the gallows, that is 
certain ; but why does he harbour any resentment against 
you?” 

“ Why ! first of all, out of innate malice ; secondly, 
because I am the son of a high-bailiff ; and, lastly, 
because he bears me an old grudge, and his knife would 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A. 


295 

long ago have finished me if it had not been for Mr. 
Van Lintz.’’ 

“ Very well, Mr. Van Lintz shall be examined ; but 
would Mr. Blaek so far forget himself as to make a false 
accusation against you ? It is possible, but it would be 
most abominable.’^ 

“ I still believe that, if he lives, he will withdraw his 
accusation.” 

‘‘ I do not think so, for he is somewhat recovered, and 
he has confirmed his statement.” 

‘‘ Well, then, in that case, I am convinced that his 
deposition must vary from that of Andrew.” 

“ So it does. But, nia foi, even if you had in a moment 
of anger or otherwise made a thrust at that knave Blaek, 
I should not at all blame you.” 

But I repeat once more, my hands are free from his 
blood, and . . .” 

“ I believe you, Mr. Huyck, I believe you ; and if I 
spoke differently just now, it is because I am accustomed 
to speak to accused persons, who at first are always 
thought to be guilty, for, otherwise one would never get 
at the truth. But now, another question : can I be of 
any service to you ? ” 

“ Could you procure me some writing materials ? I 
am anxious to inform my father of this unfortunate oc- 
currence before he hears the news from a stranger.” 

“ I fear that the magistrates will not grant you permis- 
sion to write ; but let me fulfil that unpleasant task, I 
will send your father a letter and tell him that it is yet 
uncertain whether you will appear in the dock or as a 
witness. I shall place the matter in a favourable light, 
rest assured of that.” 

1 was very far from placing implicit confidence in 


296 THE COUNT OF TA LAV ERA. 

Heynz^s tact and prudence, but there was no help 
for it. 

‘‘ You are not well lodged here,” he continued ; “ I 
will speak to Reynzen about it. There is no reason to 
treat you as a common felon, when you can pay for a 
good room. But, a propos^ ere I forget it, Mr. Van 
Lintz, his daughter, and poor Holding send you their 
regards. I really don’t know who is the rnofe distressed 
of the two about your case, the old poet or the young 
lady. The former does nothing but swear and grumble, 
the latter is in despair, and accuses herself of being the 
cause of it all.” 

‘^Amelia? But she is wholly innocent.” 

Ma foip said Heynz, smiling, ‘‘ not quite ; if she had 
not unconsciously allured Mr. Blaek, he would not 
have followed her, and would, therefore, not be here 
now; eiifin^ the one is a consequence of the other.” 

‘‘ And Captain Pulver ? ” 

He wanted to go to Amsterdam to lodge a com- 
plaint against the Government of Terschelling for hav- 
ing had the impudence to imprison you, but I persuaded 
him not to leave, as his evidence may be of service to 
you. But now I must bid you farewell, for I must 
seize the opportunity and write to your father. I shall 
see that you receive better furniture.” Heynz left me 
and kept his word, for an hour later a bed, a table, 
some chairs, and my luggage were brought. 

I will not describe the gloomy nights and miserable days 
which I spent in prison, only visited by Heynz, who from 
time to time brought me news of what occurred. Louis 
Blaek’s wound appeared to be less dangerous than had 
at first been feared, but continual fevers had greatly 
weakened him. It was hoped, however, that his youth 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


297 


and his strong constitution might yet save him. With 
regard to the assault, he still held by his former deposi- 
tion, so that my case did not as yet appear to take a better 
turn. 

It was on the sixth day of my incarceration, when I 
was gloomily thinking of home and friends, that I heard 
the door open. I looked up with some surprise, for it 
was not the usual visiting hour, and I stepped back in 
astonishment at seeing Reynhove before me. 

“ Reynhove ! ” I exclaimed, tell me how are my 
relatives ? ” 

“Your father, mother, and sister are well, and your 
aunts also, arrd Miss Blaek too \ they know everything, 
and are greatly shocked.” 

“ I daresay ; Louis’s condition . . .” 

“ Yes, and the death of Miss Blaek’s uncle too . , 

“ What ! ” I cried, “ is old Mr. Blaek dead ? ” 

“ Yes, he retired from this world before his time. 
But if you do not allow me to proceed, you will never 
hear the news properly. A few days after your depar- 
ture from Amsterdam, their High Mightinesses at The 
Hague, being hard pressed by the remonstrances of the 
Russian envoy, with whom they thought it best to keep 
friends, and moved by the urgent entreaties of the 
Amsterdam authorities, as well as by those of some of 
the most influential members of the nobility, decided 
not to surrender Mr. Van Lintz to Spain, or to treat 
him as a deserter, as it now appears that he had sent in 
his resignation, with the exception of a few formalities, 
at the time of his escapade with Miss Reefsail. In 
short, all difficulties are removed, and the warrant for 
his arrest is to be rescinded. With this good news I 
was despatched to the Amsterdam authorities, and was 


298 THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 

glad to deliver this message, as I knew that the news 
would please your father, and besides — why should I 
deny it ? — there was something else that attracted me to 
Amsterdam, and particularly to your housed’ 

“ What ! ” I interposed, ‘‘ do you entertain such 
thoughts ? ” 

“Your sister, Susannah, is a lively girl,” he answered, 
laughing ; “ but I should be happy indeed if she would 
make me a permanent target for her witty onslaughts. 
However, I have other things to tell you. I found your 
father at the Town Hall \ just as old Mr. Blaek was 
leaving him, who seemed far from happy. When I told 
the high-bailiff my errand, he wanted to despatch an 
express messenger to Terschelling, with orders to set 
Mr. Van Lintz at liberty; but whilst we- were still speak- 
ing, a letter arrived from Heynz, stating that Louis Blaek 
had been wounded, and that you were detained as a 
witness. . , . I could see your father turn pale on 
reading the letter, and I knew at once that there was 
something wrong. He recovered himself, however, and 
calmly handed it to me. I also was alarmed at its 
contents. 

“ ‘ This news will be a great blow for old Mr. Blaek,’ 
said I, ‘ but I cannot understand how your son can be 
concerned in the matter.’ 

“ ^ I can,’ he answered ; ‘ they provoked each other. 
One has fallen a victim to that fatal point of honour; and 
the other, who is my son, must suffer the vengeance of the 
law. O Mr. Reynhove ! I am an unhappy father !’ 

“I sincerely sympathised with the good man, and 
offered to go myself to Terschelling, and learn how the 
case stood. He hesitated for a moment, but ultimately 
accepted my proposal. 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


299 


*‘As I could not leave till the evening, I repaired to 
Mr. Blaek’s, in order to tell him of his son’s accident, 
but was told that he was engaged, and that he requested 
me to return in an hour’s time. I did so, and when I 
arrived at his house at the appointed time, the old man 
was a corpse. It is supposed that he has poisoned 
himself.” 

‘‘Terrible! and what may have been his motives?” 

“ It is a mystery. It could not have been grief at his 
son’s accident, for he did not know of it \ but, no doubt, 
time will solve the mystery. Harriet was in despair. I 
sent for your father. He came, as well as your mother 
and Miss Susannah. ... In short, it was a scene of 
grief and desolation. On the table of the deceased lay 
a sealed letter addressed to his son, which, we presume, 
will throw a light on the whole matter. At all events, it 
was necessary that young Blaek should be informed of 
his father’s death, so I made sail for this island on a 
threefold mission.” 

“ And . . . Miss Blaek ? ” 

“ She is in an agony of grief, as you may suppose. 
Well, directly on my arrival here I repaired to a fellow 
who goes by the name of Doedes — a quack and a 
humbug, I assure you.” 

“ I know him to my sorrow,” said I. 

“Well, I commenced by communicating to him and 
Heynz the order for the liberation of Mr. Van Lintz; 
then I went to Louis, and, after due preparation, I 
told him of his father’s decease. I am sorry to say that 
he was more astonished than shocked at the sad news ; 
in fact, he disgusted me, and I soon took my departure, 
leaving him the letter, which, I trust, will make more 
impression upon him. I then told Doedes that I 


300 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


must see you, and with all his nonsense the fellow dared 
not refuse a gentleman so elegantly attired, and the 
bearer of an order from their High Mightinesses. So 
now I am here, and right annoyed at your being in 
such a ridiculous predicament ; for I hear that you have 
not been fighting a duel, but that Louis accuses you of 
an attempt to murder him.” 

He lies, Reynhove ; by all that is dear to me, he 
lies ! ” 

‘^Then it is a wicked lie indeed, and I only hope he 
will repent. But . . 

At this moment our interview was disturbed by a 
great noise outside the door, and Reynzen, Pulver, 
Holding, and Heynz appeared almost simultaneously on 
the threshold, all of them beginning to speak at once. 


( 301 ) 


XXVII. 

Mr. Blaek wanUi to see you/^ began Reynzen. 

‘‘ He will haul in sail,” cried Pulver. 

‘‘ He will not die with a lie on his lips,^’ said Holding. 

‘‘Mr. Van Lintz has been liberated,” exclaimed 
Heynz. 

“ Gentlemen, said I, rising, “ we can all very well sing 
together, but it is not desirable that we should all talk 
together. May I ask what has happened, and what is 
the news you bring?” 

“ Silence,” said Reynzen, as the others once more 
began to shout amongst each other, “listen, sir. Mr. 
Blaek has received a letter from his father, who, God 
forgive him, has committed suicide. How the case really 
stands I don't know ; but he desires to speak to you, as 
well as to Mr. Van Lintz, and to this gentleman” — 
pointing to Reynhove. “ I sincerely trust that it may be 
to your advantage, Mr. Huyck. Be kind enough to 
follow me.” 

There was no command with which I could have more 
readily complied, and in a few minutes we were all at 
Doedes’ house. 

We immediately followed the bailiff to the sick-room, 
where we also met Mr. Van Lintz and his daughter, who, 
on our entry, rose and pressed my hand in silence. I 
cast my eyes on the bed, and I could not help pitying 


302 


THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A, 


the sufferer. Those features, yet recently so manly and 
bold, had undergone a sad change ; the bones protruded 
through the wan skin, an ashen pallor was spread over 
the entire countenance, whilst the deep sunken eyes were 
fixed and glassy. The patient was lying on his back, 
and so motionless that at first I thought him dead. 
He appeared, however, to have noticed my approach, for 
he turned his head towards me, a faint blush suffused his 
features, and then, in a broken voice, he inquired whether 
the notary had yet arrived. 

“ Notary gone to the south,’’ answered Doedes \ sent 
message — will come as soon as he returns.^’ 

This delay appeared to annoy him. He made an 
attempt to raise himself, and was so weak that he had to 
be assisted by the servant who attended him. Mean- 
while we were all in painful suspense to hear him speak. 

“ Gentlemen,’^ he began, in a faint and trembling 
voice, which gradually grew in strength and firmness, 
“I feel that it will soon be . . . all over with me ; and 
I wish ... as far as I can, to make good what I have 
spoilt.” 

Here he stopped short for a moment, as though he 
wished to gather fresh strength for what was to follow. 

“The first thing which I have to do,” he continued, 
“ is to declare, in the presence of the presiding sheriff 
and of the bailiff, that I have accused Mr. Huyck falsely 
. . . and that he is wholly innocent of the wound which 
will cause my death.” 

“ Thank Heaven,” I heard Amelia say softly, and my 
heart re-echoed her exclamation. 

“ Hm ! ” said Doedes, “ confessio in a7‘ticulo mortis ; 
first say one thing — now another — murder committed 
for all that — assassin in the churchyard?” 


. THE COUNT OF T A LAVER A, 303 

“ Yes/' replied Helding, in the churchyard he lies, 
next to my poor child ; I interred them both last 
Monday. They were parted in life, but are united in 
death." 

‘‘If it does not too much fatigue the patient," said 
Reynzen, “ he ought to give us some further details." 

Louis nodded approvingly, and Reynzen, seating 
himself, prepared to take down his declaration in 
writing. 

“Mr. Van Lintz," resumed Louis, “will recollect 
having said a few words to me about some papers in his 
possession which might affect my private fortune. I 
know now that .this threat was well founded, but this I 
shall explain later on. Suffice it to say, that it made me 
uneasy, and that this was the reason why I stayed here, 
as I wished to see what would be the consequences of 
Mr. Van Lintz’s arrest. I was alarmed, excited, and 
somehow I felt that I had acted wTongly, out of a 
blind love of revenge against Mr. Van Lintz; out of 
love and hatred for his daughter; for I do not know how 
•to term the feeling which she inspires me with. I had 
so far debased myself as to become a sleuth-hound of 
the law, and too late I saw how contemptible I was 
making myself in the eyes of every one ; in short, I was 
full of anger and malice; but, as it usually happens in 
such cases, I accused everybody except myself. I cursed 
Mr. Van Lintz, I cursed my foolisb passion, I cursed 
Heynz-^but I looked upon Mr. Huyck as my mortal 
enemy. After the capture of the Count, I returned 
to the yacht, but spent a sleepless night, and at 
daybreak went again on shore with a pair of pis- 
tols, intending to challenge Mr. Huyck to fight 
a duel. Not finding him at the inn, I made mv 


304 THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 

way to the downs to seek him, when I encountered 
Sander Gerritz. As soon as he saw me, he com- 
menced to abuse me, and called me the murderer of 
his love. I am not very docile by nature, and being in 
an extremely ill-humour at the moment, I dealt him a 
blow in the face, on which he clutched me by the throat 
and a struggle ensued between us, to which I put an end 
by shooting him through the head. He staggered, but 
though dying, drew a knife, plunged it into my bosom, 
and then fell back a corpse. Almost simultaneously I 
swooned, and did not recover until I saw Mr. Huyck 
by my side, whilst at that moment some fiend whis- 
pered to me to accuse him of the murder. I suc- 
cumbed to this temptation, and afterwards the love of 
revenge and my hatred of Mr. Huyck made me adhere 
to my accusation. The shocking news, however, which 
I have received to-day, and the explanation sent to me 
by my unhappy father, have opened my eyes. I now 
see that God leaves no evil unavenged. I shudder at 
myself, and at the thought of all the wrongs which I have 
inflicted. Would to Heaven that I could make reparation 
for them all, as I do for this one . . . and you, Mr. 
Huyck . . . my dear young lady . . . my good Helding 
. . . forgive me . . . and may God forgive me too.” 

With these last words his voice became inaudible, 
and he fell back exhausted on his pillow. We ap- 
proached closer to his bed and gave him the assurance 
he desired. 

“I forgive you,” said Van Lintz, “for I know too 
well from my own experience whither injured self-esteem 
- and violent passions can lead us. You yearned for 
revenge ; I know that feeling ; I also once yielded to it 
tjo a fearful extent ! ” 


THE COUNT OF TALA FETA. 305 

With this he stepped aside, and stood, wrapt in gloomy 
meditation. 

Helding pressed the sufferer’s hand in silence, unable 
to give vent to his overflowing emotions. I now ap- 
proached in my turn. 

‘‘I assure you, Mr. Blaek,^’ said I, “that I no 
longer harbour the least angry feeling towards you, 
and I pray that the Almighty may not only forgive 
you as completely as I forgive you, but that He may 
preserve you and permit you to commence a better 
life ! ” 

“ Hm I ” said Doedes, approaching his patient and 
feeling his pulse — “ weak — lassitude — too many here — 
hm !” 

“Yes,” said Reynzen, “I think everything is settled 
now. I have taken down the patient’s declaration. If 
he desires to. hear it read, and feels strong enough to sign 
it, I see no reason why we should not at once set Mr. 
Huyck free ; for I don’t care a jot for the deposition 
of Andrew Mathissen; and, as I hear from our friend 
Heynz, he runs a greater risk of swinging on the gallows 
himself than bringing others to it !” 

f^ouis expressed himself willing to listen to the read- 
ing of the document, and to sign it, which he did with 
the utmost difficulty. We were about to take our leave 
of him, when he signified to us that there was still some- 
thing on his mind which he would only confide to Van 
Lintz, Reynhove, and myself ; he begged, therefore, all 
others to leave the room. 

His request being granted, he sat staring at the door 
for a few minutes, as though he feared that any one 
would return, and then, turning to Reynhove, he said, 
with an impatient gesture — 

5 


U 


3o6 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


‘‘Push the bolt; and you, Huyck, just fill that wine- 
glass again . . . my lips are burning ! 

I offered him the glass ; he slowly emptied it, whilst 
we looked at one another, wondering how it would all 
end. At length he put his hand under the pillow, 
produced a paper, and, with a glance at Van Lintz, 
asked — 

“ You have known my father long ago, sir?” 

Van Lintz replied with a bow. * 

“No doubt you have heard how he died!” con- 
tinued Louis ; “ but what neither you nor any one knows 
— what I myself have only learnt at this very moment 
is, the agony which he suffered, and to which he at 
length succumbed. However, it is desirable that you 
should know this, so that when others ruthlessly condemn 
him, you may, at least, testify that he deserves as much 
pity as blame. Read this letter aloud, Huyck, and you 
will feel how it must have affected me 1 ” 

I took the paper and read as follows : — 

“ By the time that you will receive this letter, my son, 
your father will have appeared before the Divine throne 
of judgment. The pangs of a long-tortured conscience 
urge me to leave this world, and it was you, you alone, 
who might have given me rest, and have enabled me to 
pass the last years of my life in peace — it was you who 
hastened that step which leads me to eternity ! 

“ Oh ! that I had spoken sooner ! Perhaps then you 
would have fulfilled my wishes in endeavouring to win 
the love of her whom I had destined for you. A mar- 
riage between yourself and your cousin would have 
settled everything — but it might not be 1 You were un- 
worthy of such an amiable, virtuous wife ; and it was 
my destiny to be punished for my misdeeds, and to fly 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA. 


307 


for refuge to the grave from the shame which in this 
world awaited me. 

‘‘Well, time flies, and I must hasten to use my last 
remaining energy. Listen then, and pity me ! Do 
not curse me; and let my example be a warning to 
you ! 

“ You may have heard that in former years my brother 
and I had much trouble to gain a livelihood, and that 
therefore we went to foreign parts to seek our fortune. 

“ From my very childhood an insatiable desire for 
riches had been my ruling passion. I saw so much 
wealth and luxury around me that I could not bear the 
idea of being poorer than those who were my equals in 
birth and position. Yet such seemed to have been my 
destiny ; for my father had but a small income, and was 
not of a parsimonious nature. Arrived at a mature age, 
I resolved that a marriage should be the first step towards 
attaining my object, and I succeeded ; I did not look 
for beauty or virtues ; I sought a rich wife, and married 
her for her money. My first punishment was the un- 
happy life which I led with your mother. She died, and 
showed her hatred of me by stipulating, in her will, that 
you should inherit her fortune, and that not one penny 
should fall to my share. Now I was poorer than I had 
been before. I therefore resolved to intrust you to the 
care of your mother s relatives, and to leave for the West 
Indies to seek my fortune. 

“ But the result did not justify my expectations. 
After years of adversity I returned, and arrived at 
Lisbon. There I met the Count of Talavera, then oii 
a mission from the Spanish Court, and I renewed the 
acquaintance which I had formerly formed with him 
when he was Baron Van Lintz. From him I obtained 


3o8 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


news of my brother, who was his brother-in-law, for they 
had each married a Miss Reefsail, and I learnt that he 
had also gone to seek his fortune in foreign lands, and 
was hourly expected in Lisbon from the Levant, where 
he was engaged in some business. My mother came, but 
his appearance did not speak of wealth. Scarcely had 
he been a few days with us when he was attacked by a 
severe illness. The Count of Talavera was the first to 
warn him that, according to tlie physician, his life was 
drawing to a close, and that he should, therefore, settle 
his worldly affairs. My brother smiled sadly, and said 
that this would not take very long. ‘ I wish I could 
have seen my daughter, who is at Amsterdam,’ he con- 
tinued, ‘ and could have handed her the treasures which 
I hoarded for her. But now James will have to do 
this ! ’ The Count and I looked at one another in 
astonishment, for we could not understand whence these 
treasures could come. My brother then produced a 
stout clumsy cane which stood at the foot of the bed, and 
requested me to unscrew the knob and to shake out the 
contents on the table. I did so, and now, to our amaze- 
ment, we discovered that the cane was hollow, and 
entirely filled with precious stones of the first water. 
My brother took a few of them, and handing them to 
me, said, ‘ These are for yourself ; and if you sell them 
they will assist you in retrieving your fortune. The rest 
you must give to my daughter as her father’s inherit- 
ance.’ At his desire a jeweller was summoned, and an 
inventory was taken of their approximate value. 

Of this document duplicates were handed to the 
Count of Talavera and to myself, which we both signed. 
A few days afterwards my brother died in my arms, and 
with his last words admonished me to take care of 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA, 309 

his daughter. Directly after the funeral I returned to 
Amsterdam. 

“ Meanwhile I was not satisfied with what my brother 
had left me when I thought of what he had be- 
queathed to his daughter ; and, without reflecting that 
he had never enjoyed his hard-earned treasures, whilst 
I still had a future before me, I began to envy my 
niece, who had so easily obtained a rich inheritance to 
which, without her, I alone should have had a claim. It 
was then as though a diabolical voice whispered to me, 
‘ Why should you take such treasures to your piece ? 
Keep them for yourself, do business with them, and 
settle the matter with her in some other way. No one 
will be any the wiser for it, and the Count of Talavera 
certainly will not trouble himself about it in Spain/ At 
Amsterdam my brother’s death was already known, and 
so well had he guarded his secret that everybody thought 
he had died in cdmparative poverty. I was mean 
enough not to disabuse any one. I sold my jewels — 
— or rather those of my niece — not all at once, but 
gradually, and commenced a business, which I quickly 
extended. I prospered. It seemed as if the ill-gotten 
money was blessed in my hands; but, inwardly, I was 
far from enjoying my prosperity. 

‘‘ Some years elapsed, when one day — I still tremble 
at the thought — I received a letter from the Count of 
Talavera. He wrote to say that he had heard that I had 
become very wealthy, whilst my niece was living in seclu- 
sion ; in short, his letter plainly showed that he suspected 
the real state of affairs. He finished by saying that he 
would forward a duplicate of the inventory to Amster- 
dam, and deposit it with the notary Bouvelt. This news 
alarmed me ; and, in order to parry the threatening blow, 


310 THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 

I immediately took my niece from the boarding-school, 
received her into my house, and treated her as my own 
child. Soon after I learnt that the Count had fallen 
into disgrace, and a year later it was said that he had 
died in America. Now I was relieved from my greatest 
anxiety, for I still hoped that he had not carried out 
his threat of sending over the duplicate. Meanwhile I 
had begun to love Harriet as my own daughter, and 
the better I knew and the more I cherished her the bit- 
terer grew my remorse for having treated her unfairly. 
It was then that an idea arose in my mind that a mar- 
riage between you and her would settle everything ; and 
1 need not repeat to you now how I plodded and worked 
to attain that object. 

“ Imagine my terror when, a few days since, I met at 
Bouvelt^s house the man whom I thought dead, and 
learnt from him that the fatal inventory, together with 
other papers, had long ago been sebt to the notary, and 
that he now came to fetch them. He threatened to 
expose me, and I might even then have saved myself 
from disgrace if I had returned my niece her fortune, 
and told her that for good reasons I had kept it from 
her until that day. But false shame prevented me from 
taking this step ; I feared that the real state of affairs 
might be discovered, and I entreated Mr. Van Lintz not 
to rob me of my reputation. I alluded to your mar- 
riage with Harriet as an almost accomplished fact, and 
offered to exert my influence with the authorities, and 
to assist him in his escape. At length, yielding to my 
entreaties, he agreed to send me the duplicate as soon 
as he should be in safety, and on receiving the news of 
your marriage. 

“ Your ‘rash deed in delivering the man from whom I 


THE COUNT OF TALAVLRA. 31 1 

had everything to fear into the hands of justice has 
shattered all my hopes. The duplicate, together with the 
other papers found upon him, has been seized, and is 
now in the hands of the high-bailiff at Amsterdam. I 
have this moment left his office. He had summoned 
me before him to explain to him the meaning of the 
words : ‘ Inventory of the jewels, &c., formerly belonging 
to Mr. Henry Blaek. and now the property of his daughter, 
Harriet Blaek.’ What my reply was I do not know, but 
I do know what will be the consequences of the open- 
ing of this document ; I will not outlive the shame that 
awaits me ; may God forgive me for the manner in which 
I leave this life ; and may He c^use you to turn from 
the evil path which you have hitherto followed, and 
allow you to take warning by the wretched example of 
your unhappy father, James Blaek.” 

“ You see, gentlemen,” said Louis, hiding his head in 
his hands, I have been the cause of my father’s death. 
But, Mr. Van Lintz, can nothing be done to spare his 
memory ? As for Harriet, she shall have back her pro- 
perty, and more.” 

“Sir,” answered Van Lintz, “ Mr. Reynhove has returned 
me the papers which were taken from me ; if the docu- 
ment in question is amongst them I shall send it to your 
cousin. She alone may decide what is to be done with it.” 

There was a knock at the door, the notary was an- 
nounced, and we left him and the sufferer together. Two 
days later Louis Blaek expired. My friends and myself 
then embarked for Amsterdam, taking the dead body 
with us. 

At Harlingen I took leave of Van Lintz and his 
daughter, who were about to continue their journey 
overland. 


7 I 2 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


“Well, my friend/’ said the former, grasping my hand, 
“ now I think it will really be the last time that I take 
leave of you. I wish you every success in your under- 
takings, and I trust you will watch over the interests of 
my niece ; I am vexed that I have not guarded them 
better myself ; but 1 know you will protect her ; you 
have a twofold reason for doing so.” 

“ I am only afraid that she will still be too much pre- 
judiced against me to appoint me her protector.” 

“Did I not assure you that the reverse was the 
case?” said Amelia, in a tone of reproach. “ Go to her, 
and do not hesitate to tell her the whole unvarnished 
truth ; she will believe you, you may be convinced of it. 
When you see her, give her this from her cousin, and ask 
her to wear it in loving remembrance of her.” 

As she spoke she handed me a necklace, which, dur- 
ing her stay at Terschelling, she had plaited from her 
own lovely hair, at the end of which she had affixed a 
gold ornament. 

“ And will you leave me no souvenir ? ” I asked, as I 
cordially shook her hand. 

“Not now; perhaps I shall send you one when we 
have arrived at our destination ; and then I shall expect 
one from you and from your wife.” 

With this she drew her veil over her face and quietly 
stepped into the carriage which awaited her. Her father 
sat down by her side ; the driver smacked his whip, and 
very soon they were out of sight. . I never saw them 
again. 

Eighteen hours afterwards I was at home in my 
mother’s arms, and I will not attempt to describe the 
emotions which. we all experienced. 

. The following day Reynhove came to fetch me, and 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 


313 


asked me to accompany him to Miss Blaek, who, he 
said, had inquired for both of us. We found her alone, 
charming as ever, but pale, exhausted, and overwhelmed 
with grief. She blushed and seemed rather confused 
on seeing me, but, soon recovering herself, she placed 
chairs for us, and sat down herself. 

“ Gentlemen,” she began, ‘‘ you were at the deathbed 
of my poor cousin Louis . . . . ? ” 

‘‘Yes, Miss Blaek,” I replied, searching for some 
papers I had in my pocket, “ and I have been commis- 
sioned ...” 

“ One moment,” she resumed ; “ before we touch 
upon any other subject, I should like to know whether 
any one besides yourself, Mr. Reynhove, and Mr. Van 
Lintz knows anything about a certain letter addressed 
by my late uncle to Louis.” 

“ No one,” I answered, “ I have that letter, and will 
hand it to you, but ...” 

“ But first, let me tell you that my uncle Van Lintz 
wrote me a letter, in which he tells me why my unhappy 
uncle Blaek took so fatal a step, and in which he also 
enclosed a document which proves my claim to a con- 
siderable fortune. I wept on seeing my poor fathers 
signature, and thought of all the trouble and anxiety 
which the good man must have suffered in order to 
accumulate a fortune for my sake. I have cut out that 
signature, and have burnt the paper.” 

“ What !” exclaimed Reynhove with amazement, “you 
have destroyed such a precious document ! ” 

“I am too much indebted to my late uncle, and I have 
received too many proofs of his love, for me to reward 
his kindness by tarnishing his good name now that he 
is dead. With Louis the secret went to the grave ; my 


314 the count of TA LAVER A. 

uncle Van Lintz will not mention it if I ask him not to 
do so ; and I expect that you also will respect it, gentle- 
men ; people have ascribed my uncle’s death to apoplexy, 
let them remain in that belief.” 

‘‘ But you do not know. Miss Blaek, that you have 
sacrificed an important fortune?” asked Reynhove. 

Miss Blaek has sacrificed nothing,” said I ; ‘‘ and 
although the merits of her generous deed are just as 
great, the pecuniary loss which it entails is entirely re- 
moved by the document which I now have the honour to 
hand her. It is the last will and testament of Mr. Louis 
Blaek, heir to his father’s property, in which he appoints 
his cousin. Miss Harriet Blaek, his sole heiress.” 

Harriet accepted the paper with trembling hands. 
She was speechless with emotion, and made no reply 
to Reynhove’s congratulations. 

“ Miss Blaek,” I continued, when she had some- 
what recovered ; in his last moments the deceased 
expressed a desire that I should be the person to hand 
you his will ; and he added that it would probably . . . 
give you pleasure ... to receive that document at my 
hands. May I flatter myself with the idea that he 
guessed aright ? ” 

Sir,” she replied, as the pallor of her features turned 
to a vivid crimson, ‘‘ you are no doubt aware that I re- 
ceived a visit from my cousin Amelia on the morning of 
her departure from Amsterdam.” 

I was astonished. So this guileless creature had not 
hesitated to run the risk of an inhospitable reception 
solely to vindicate my conduct. 

It now became quite clear to me why Amelia had 
given me such a positive assurance on the day I bade 
her farewell 


THE COUNT OF TALAVERA. 3i5 

** And may I hope,” said I, that after that visit you 
formed a more favourable opinion of me ? ” 

** Amelia is an angel,” said Harriet, “ and I shall 
never forgive you for not having fallen in love with her. 
What she said . . . how she ... in short, I feel it my 
duty to ask your pardon, for I have greatly misjudged 
you.” 

Six months afterwards the banns were published in 
the Old Church at Amsterdam5 between William Andrew 
Reynhove, Gentleman, Baron of Wydeplas, Lord of 
Groenewoud, &c., and Miss Susannah Beatrice Huyck ; 
and also between myself and Miss Harriet Blaek. 

Mr. Van Lintz, relieved of all his anxieties, settled in 
Russia, and rendered .the State some important services. 
He obtained a high rank, and soon rose in the favour of 
the Czar. As for Amelia, she led a quiet and secluded 
life during the early part of her residence in Russia, and 
for a long time resisted her father^s desire to visit the 
court. At last she yielded, and, to please her parent, 
married a favourite of the Czar, a w^orthy nobleman, but 
double her age. She led an exemplary life, died at a 
ripe old age. and left a memory which was blessed by 
all who knew her. 

My father, myself, and wife were fortunate enough to 
see most of our family well married and in good circum- 
stances. 

My sister, Mrs. Reynhove, leads a happy life with her 
husband. He bade farewell to all revels and noisy 
company, rose to a high official post, and rendered some 
eminent services to his country. 

■ Kasper Weinstube, after many vain endeavours to gain 
admission into the higher circles of society, and to seek 
a partner of his joys and sorrows from amongst his 


THE COUNT OF TALA VERA, 


316 

superiors, ended by marrying his cook. His children, 
who had received a better education than fell to their 
fathers share, soon made people forget their humble 
origin, and their descendants are now in daily intercourse 
with those families whose acquaintance had always been 
Kasper’s supreme ambition. 

The ‘‘Poems of Holding” may still be found in the 
libraries of some of our well-to-do citizens, and occa- 
sionally they are even to- be met with on bookstalls, but 
I doubt whether they have many readers. 

William Heynz continues an efficient servant of the 
law, and never exercises, more his profession as an 
artist; however, the noble art of painting has not suf- 
fered from the loss. 

In conclusion, I may add, according to the testimony 
of ray friends, that a descendant of little Simon the 
pedlar, who is strongly suspected of following in the 
path of his ancestor, in rendering occasional assistance 
to the police, may daily be seen in the Schapen Square 
during the winter with a hot-potato can, and in the sum- 
mer with a shoeblack’s box, eternally crying, for the 
benefit of all who may put faith in his protestations, 
“ I ain’t got a farthing about me, may I never move !” 


THE END. 


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